Full Idea
Leibniz argued that relations could be reduced to monadic properties and so were dispensable, and some still agree, saying relations supervene on monadic properties of the relata, and are not actually real.
Gist of Idea
If relations can be reduced to, or supervene on, monadic properties of relata, they are not real
Source
report of Gottfried Leibniz (works [1690]) by Chris Swoyer - Properties 7.4
Book Reference
'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.45
A Reaction
At the very least a background of space and/or time seem required, in addition to any properties the relata may have. y only becomes 'to the left of x' when x appears to its right, so the relation doesn't seem to be intrinsic to y.