When assessing whether a relationship is substantive, which factor is a key consideration?

In assessing whether a relationship is substantive, the frequency of interactions plays a critical role. This factor reflects the level of engagement and investment that individuals have in each other's lives. A substantive relationship is often characterized by regular contact, communication, and interaction, which indicates that the individuals involved share a meaningful bond. The more often individuals engage with one another, the stronger the implied connection and commitment, which is essential to determining the nature of the relationship.

The other factors, such as geographical proximity, shared financial responsibilities, and mutual friends, may contribute to the overall nature of a relationship but do not inherently reflect the depth of the connection as directly as the frequency of interactions does. Each of these elements can vary significantly without necessarily indicating that a relationship is substantive or meaningful. Hence, focusing on the frequency of interactions provides a clearer understanding of the relational dynamics involved.