Companionship with mutual understanding or relationship with commitment? Which one would you choose and why?

Why do you conclude that a relationship does not include mutual understanding?

Definitely companionship with cooperation and understanding. Anytime.

I prefer friendship first. Then I decide if companionship or relationship is what I really want with the Man.

Seems simple enough.

I'd choose relationship with commitment.
...Because thanks to the commitment that would give us time to develop companionship and mutual understanding.
And if they weren't willing to develop companionship and mutual understanding...then they aren't very committed.

So...I'd take advantage of the inherent loophole in the question that makes the question pointless.

For me, a committed relationship includes companionship and mutual understanding among other things.

Can't see even starting a relationship without mutual understanding. To make anything work both parties have to agree. Companionship only is like diving into a 3ft pool.

hi

Agreed...

^^^^This

The idea of a relationship with commitment requires giving up an amount of your personal freedom and individuality. That is the price you must be willing to pay for that relationship. For some, this relationship and the security is what they really want from life; for others, the cost to have that is too high. I do believe as we age, our previous experiences dictate which side of this we are on. As an older gentleman who paid dearly, both financially and emotionally, for my current freedom, I don't see another serious, long term relationship in my future. What I do want is a long term companion to enjoy life with while maintaining my independence.

I would hate to think any of these ideas not encompassing and inclusive with a human individual when there isn't one I would omit with a beloved pet.

Sorry, I'm not seeing the difference between the two. At least, not unless I make a bunch of assumptions about what each word means to you, instead of what it means to me.

Companionship IS a relationship. Understandings ARE commitments. And vice versa.

What is it that isn't being said openly?