Relate to a Rock?

I have heard people say they related to a rock.  Or, related to a mountain.  Or, relate to a tree.

OK.  I think I get it.

Think about it:  a person can "relate" to a thing, a situation, a feeling, a dilemma.  "I can related to that!" says your counselor or pastor or friend.  But no matter what you believe, you cannot have a relationship with a rock, a mountain, a tree or any other "lump".  It takes two or more who communicate back and forth  for a relationship to exist.

Perhaps you have enjoyed a relationship with someone.  You talked often, you shared back and forth about this, that and the other thing.  Then this other person moved, or quit speaking to you, or died.  End of relationship.

You can say, "I had a relationship with __________."  You can say, "________ and I used to have a relationship."  But without the two way communication functioning, you don't have one now.

What has been your experience?  Leave a comment and share with us.