Considering a relationship between two people, one can call it clear when both know what their place in the relationship is. There are many ways to describe what one’s place means. Examples are hierarchy, authority, power, competence, appreciation, and gratitude. Such a place doesn’t need to remain fixed; it’s about having a predictable sense of what it is made of. It is a sense of having clear boundaries.

One can consider a relationship between two people as fluid when both have the ability to shift their sense of place according to the situation. It may happen automatically based on common experience. It can also happen using their ability to express, request, and discuss their respective places to come to a shared conclusion.

An important element that contributes to making a relationship clear and fluid is the ability of those involved to keep things explicit instead of implicit.