relaxed way,relaxing way

[*^^*]

I found both expressions existing,
1. "We tried to show it in a relaxed way that wasn't too intimidating."

2. "These pools are open to one and all and are a relaxing way to experience a new side of a city."

Then, what's the difference between them?

[JohnParis]

1. in a casual way

2. a calm way

John

[TheParser]

Then, what's the difference between them?

ONLY A NON-TEACHER'S OPINION


(1) Great question.

(2) I think that I found the answer in the 1988 edition of Mr. L. G. Alexander's very helpful Longman English Grammar.

(3) He teaches us that:

Adjectives ending in -ed often combine with PERSONAL [my emphasis] subjects and those ending in -ing often combine with IMpersonal ones.

CAREFUL: This is a general rule. (There are exceptions.)



(a) Here's one of his helpful examples (that you may wish to remember as a model):

This story excites me. > I am excited. > The story is exciting.

(4) Now let's look at your sentences. Remember: The following is only my opinion:

(a) In your first sentence, we were relaxed. (That is, we did not feel any tension.)

(b) In your second sentence, the pools were relaxing. (We could not say that the pools were "relaxed," for pools are not people, they are things. And things cannot feel anything.)