When people say that therapy and real relationships are basically the same, I take it to mean that it applies to certain aspects such as these: If you owe the person money, then you pay it in a timely manner. If you were rude or mean to the other person, then you apologize. If you got upset or angry with something the other person said or did, then you talk about it and try to work it out. If you appreciate something the other person said or did for you, then you let them know you are grateful by thanking them. Both parties need to be respectful of each other's time and resources. There has to be a degree of trust on the part of both people. I am sure there are many more examples.

In other words, it's all about the things that go both ways in therapeutic and real life relationships. Other than that, yes, there are differences. Then again not all of our real life relationships operate in the exact same manner either, therefore, we adjust our behavior accordingly.

Elements of beauty and joy can be found and experienced in all types of relationshops, including the therapeutic relationship. For me, it's no less important than any of my other real life relationships.