The enduring nature of bonds, such as pair bonds, separates an attachment relationship from a transactional relationship. In a transactional relationship, such as with a colleague or an acquaintance, we track whether we are putting more effort, time, money, or resources into the relationship than they are, and how much we are getting out of it. With attachment, both people have access to help at the times when it is needed most. Examples include support and caregiving when one of you is ill, giving the other person the benefit of the doubt, or defending the other’s reputation. In a healthy and
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