Opposition gives people a sense of agency that sustains their relationships.

Evidence

Our opposition makes us feel that we are not completely victims of the circumstances. It allows us to prove our strength consciously and only thus gives vitality and reciprocity to conditions from which, without such corrective, we would withdraw at any cost. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 283

Categorization

• XREF: Mirrors the essay’s claim that civil inattention/indifference gives the flâneur a sense of mastery over overwhelming urban environments. — connects to: Covert opposition alone can preserve relationships without practical effect. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 284; The firmly grounded relation dares conflict while weak ones avoid it — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 319; Trusting relationships can bring comfort during difficult times. — Crews, Harry, A childhood the biography of a place, 1026

Related

• Covert opposition alone can preserve relationships without practical effect. (similarity 0.86)
• The firmly grounded relation dares conflict while weak ones avoid it (similarity 0.82)

Broader Connections

• The firmly grounded relation dares conflict while weak ones avoid it #corroborates (0.80) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 319
• Trusting relationships can bring comfort during difficult times. #expands (0.50) — Crews, Harry, A childhood the biography of a place, 1026