Chapter 6

Communication in Relationships

Types of Relationships Relationships- sets of expectations two people

have for their behavior based on the pattern of interaction between them.

Good Relationships - relationships in which the interactions are satisfying to and health for those involved.

Types of Relationships Acquaintances- people we know by name and

talk with when the opportunity arises. Interactions are largely impersonal Acquaintanceship guidelines

Initiate conversation by introducing yourself and contextualizing.

Ask questions and listen carefully. Engage in appropriate turn-taking. Make your comments relevant. Be polite.

Types of Relationships Friends- people with whom we have

negotiated more personal relationships that are voluntary.

Some friendships are contextually bound. (work-friend)

Friendship Guidelines Initiation: be proactive. Responsiveness: listen and respond. Self-disclosure: friends share feelings with each

other. Emotional support: provide comfort and support. Conflict management: manage disagreements

successfully.

Types of Relationships Close Friends or Intimates- people with whom

we share a high degree of commitment, trust, interdependence, and disclosure.

Platonic Relationship- an intimate relationship in which the partners are not sexually attracted to each other or do not act on an attraction they feel.

Romantic Relationship- an intimate relationship in which the partners act on their sexual attraction.

Types of Relationships Trust- placing confidence in another in a way

that almost always involves some risk. Trust is essential for maintaining intimate

relationships. With a severe breach of trust, you could possibly

end the relationship. Women and Men differ on reasons for

maintaining intimacy. Women tend to develop close relationships based

on talking and sharing. Men tend to develop close relationships based on

shared activities and interdependence.

Types of Relationships Intimacy Guidelines

Be dependable Be responsive Be an effective partner in conflict Be faithful Be transparent Spend time with one another

Disclosure and Feedback Ratios in Relationships Healthy interpersonal relationships have both

self-disclosure and feedback. Self-Disclosure- sharing biographical data,

personal ideas, and feelings that are unknown to the other person.

Feedback- the verbal and physical responses to people and their messages.

Disclosure and Feedback Ratios in Relationships

The Johari Window- contains four quadrants that define the extent of self-disclosure in the relationship. Open: information that both you and your partner know. Blind: information about you that you know that your

partner does not know. Secret: information about you that only your partner

knows. Unknown: information about you that neither you or

your partner know.

Communication in the Stages of a Relationship All relationships follow a three stage life cycle. Relationships move between these stages in

sometimes imperceptible ways. Beginning and Developing Relationships

Exchange information to reduce uncertainty. Looking for feelings of relaxation and

confirmation. As relationship escalates, so does physical

contact. Online relationships go through he same stages

and often lead to face-to-face meetings.

Communication in the Stages of a Relationship Maintaining a relationship: behaving and

communicating in ways that preserve a particular level of closeness or intimacy in a relationship. Spend time with your partner. Merge your social networks. Reciprocate unselfish acts.

Communication in the Stages of a Relationship De-escalating and ending a relationship

Recognition of dissatisfaction. Disengaging Ending

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