The close relationship symbol represents warm, supportive bonds between family members. Depicted as two parallel lines connecting individuals, this symbol indicates emotional intimacy, mutual support, and healthy attachment in family systems.
Close Relationship: Two parallel lines (typically blue or green)
In genogram terminology, a close relationship refers to an emotional bond characterized by warmth, mutual support, open communication, and positive regard between family members. According to Monica McGoldrick and colleagues in their foundational work "Genograms: Assessment and Treatment," relationship lines indicate the quality of connections between individuals, with close relationships shown through parallel lines.
According to McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry (2020): "Two straight lines indicate they are close." This standardized symbol is recognized across therapeutic modalities and clinical settings worldwide.
Close relationships in family systems are marked by several key characteristics that differentiate them from other emotional patterns. Understanding these traits helps therapists accurately identify and document healthy bonds.
Family members are emotionally present and responsive to each other's needs, creating a secure base for attachment.
Both parties provide support during challenging times while celebrating successes and milestones together.
Despite emotional closeness, individuals maintain appropriate boundaries and respect each other's autonomy.
The ability to discuss difficult topics, express emotions, and resolve conflicts constructively.
Close relationships serve as protective factors in family systems. Research in family therapy consistently shows that secure, close bonds between family members contribute to psychological resilience, better mental health outcomes, and improved coping mechanisms during stress.
When mapping genograms, therapists look for patterns of closeness across generations. These patterns can reveal:
One of the most critical distinctions in genogram notation is between closeand fused (enmeshed) relationships. While both involve strong emotional bonds, they represent fundamentally different dynamics:
Close relationships maintain individual identity and healthy boundaries. Fused relationships (shown with three lines) indicate enmeshment where boundaries become blurred and individual autonomy is compromised.
Creating close relationship indicators in GenogramAI is straightforward. The platform automatically applies standardized notation while giving you flexibility in documenting family dynamics.
Maria (45) and her daughter Sofia (22) share a close relationship characterized by regular communication, mutual respect, and emotional support. They discuss important life decisions together while Sofia maintains her independence as a young adult. This would be documented with two parallel lines between their symbols.
Brothers James (38) and Michael (35) have maintained a close bond despite living in different cities. They speak weekly, support each other through career challenges, and coordinate care for their aging parents. Their relationship demonstrates how closeness can persist across physical distance.
Understanding close relationships in a family system helps therapists:
Three lines - over-involved, boundary issues
Dotted line - emotional disconnection
Combined lines - volatile intimacy
Single line - basic connection
A "connected" relationship (single line) indicates a basic relationship exists. A "close" relationship (two lines) indicates warmth and emotional intimacy beyond just being related or connected.
Yes. Genograms often include significant non-biological relationships. Close friendships, mentoring relationships, or other meaningful bonds can be documented using the same notation.
Ask about boundaries. In close relationships, individuals maintain separate identities and can make independent decisions. In fused relationships, there's often guilt about separation, difficulty with independent choices, and over-involvement in each other's lives.
Use GenogramAI to map close relationships and other emotional patterns in your family system.
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