Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between humans and objects they treasure using the analogy of interpersonal relationships. Four hundred and eighteen undergraduates were asked to name objects they were especially fond of. They then rated the likeness or similarity of these things to themselves and others, and they specified the reason they liked the objects. The results showed that certain objects carried with them strong metaphors for the subjects' interpersonal relationships. The study also analyzed the relationship between these metaphors and the reasons given by the subjects for liking the objects named. Although this was an exploratory study, the analysis of the relationship between humans and the objects might be useful for the development of new products that people will treasure.
