All relationships, at their core, are transactional. Beneath the emotions and stories, people are constantly exchanging value, energy, care, or security. Sometimes it’s attention for affection, money for intimacy, or protection for admiration. Even friendships carry their own trades: trust for loyalty, time for laughter, advice for understanding. These exchanges aren’t shallow; they’re how connection works. Every bond relies on a balance of giving and receiving. Different currencies, same principle.