10 BIG differences between a functional and a dysfunctional relationship

4. Intimacy

Functional: A functional relationship is one in which sex and affection are given freely and not as a reward for “behaving,” unless of course the two of you enjoy S&M, which is a whole other scenario.

Dysfunctional: A dysfunctional relationship is riddled with coldness and sexual power dynamics, meaning one party will cut the other party off from affection as punishment. Affection and sex will be given out in drips and drabs or as “rewards” for when the other partner is good. On the flip side, the whole relationship could consist of just sex and nothing else.