Why do we form relationships? This all stems from
interpersonal attraction which contains many different
parts.
Apperance
Something that changes over time.
Similarity
Provides ego support because of similarities in that person.
If our partner is all these great qualities, then we must have the great qualities too.
Complementary
Complement each other. The ideology of opposites attract.
Competence
Having a balanced level of flaws and strengths. Don't
want our partner to be too much better than us and
also don't want them to be bad at everything.
Reciprocal Attraction
Attracted to people who we think are
attracted to us. When both parties
maintain mutual attraction
Disclosure
The depth of information shared can increase
attraction because it communicates that you can trust
that person
Has to be reciprocal and has to be timed appropriately.
Proximity
Having a shared environment, whether its forced or
not, creates the possibility of interpersonal
attraction.
Can be physical or virtual
Relational Dialects
Dialects
Definition: Important but incompatible goals in relationships
Example: I want to move to Virginia because my
family lives there, but my partner wants to stay in
Colorado because there are more opportunities,
and she would make better money for her career.
Dialectal Tensions
Definition: When relationships are in a constant state of flux
because of the dialects
Occurs in "waves". Comes in and out and
becomes more intense as you get closer in the
relationship
Types of Dialectal Tension: Connection-Autonomy,
Openness-Privacy, Pedictiblity-Privacy
Connection-Autonomy: Wanting to have your partner be
very involved in your life, but also wanting to be your own
person and do your own things.
Example: Being excited that you and your partner have been hanging out a lot,
but also really wanting alone time away from that person. You still enjoy the
persons company and want to hang out, but you still have a sense of wanting
to be alone sometimes.
Openness-Privacy: Wanting to disclose and share everything
with your partner, but also wanting space and a sense of
privacy in your life.
Example: I love sharing information about my life with my partner because it makes us closer and gives
us stronger relationship. I also like having things privately known to only me in my life and being able to
have that sort of secret place in my mind.
Predictability-Novelty: Wanting predictability and
assurance in the relationship, but also not wanting the
relationship to become boring and waiting to be
suprised.
Example: I love the comfort of knowing a schedule of
when I'm going to see my partner and what we're going to
do when we see each other; I also love when they
surprise me with secret dates or show up at random
times to hang out.
Knapp's Developmental Model
Coming Together: This is how relationships are built.
Initiating
Showing interest in someone while also
showing your worthiness
Experimenting
Uncertinainty Reduction: Making small talk with someone,
asking them questions, etc. Trying to get to know the
person before you purse them.
Happens more quickly in mediated communication
Intensifying
Stage in the relationship where things become more
interpersonal. You become a lot closer with that person.
Expression of feelings becomes a lot more common.
Relational Maintenace
Integrating (Growth)
The "We" identity emerges and you become a
social unit with your partner. You also begin
to develop patterns and rituals with your
partner.
Bonding (Growth)
Usually, a symbolic public gesture happens
here. Wedding, travelling together, etc.
Differentiating (Distance)
"We" language shifts to "Me" language.
Relational issues become individual
problems.
Circumscribing (Distance)
Communication can decrease in quantity and in quality.
There also may be a physical and mental withdrawal.
There could be a valid reason, or could be unprovoked.
Coming Apart
Stagnating
There is no relational growth in
this stage. A big lack of motivation
Avoiding
Individuals create physical distance, which in
turn causes emotional distance. Communication
also ends up lacking critical approach.
Terminating
Relationships don't move in a straight line, so
termination can be symbolic, and relationships
can be redefined.
Relational Transgressions
Definition: When one partner violates the terms of the
relationship. These terms can be implicit or explicit. Can be
summed up as one partner letting the other down.
Explicit: Your partner cheated on you
Implicit: Your partner went to
your favorite store without you.
Types: Lack of commitment, distance,
disrespect, problematic emotions, and
aggression
Repairing Relationships
Expression of Regret
This is different than saying I'm sorry.
Take Responsibility
Make Restitution
How can I make it right and try and fix it?
Genuinely Repent
You have to show that you have a chance of
never doing something like that again.
Request Forgiveness.
Isn't always given
Sometimes the partner who
violated the terms will need to
show new behavior over time
that reflects these behaviors.
Responding to Transgressions
Accpentance
Partner shows that they are happy to see the other
partner has changed. The acceptance can be true or
false.
Rejection
Partner who was violated decides it's too late
and nothing can make up for this. Rejection
means that there is no room for conversation.
Discussion
Partner tries to explain to the other why
their hurt and how what they did caused
this. The partner who violated the terms
tries to explain their side.
Metacommunication
Definition: When you talk about relational communication health.
Important for solving conflicts in your life and being
able to have a healthy relationship with whoever you
talk to about it.
It's also important to help maintain the health of a
relationship. It helps you be able to address the good
and bad parts of what's going on in your relationship.
Example: I appreciate when
you take the dog on a walk
without me asking.
Example: It annoys me when you
ask me so my questions while
I'm trying to work
Be careful how you use these statements. Use
them in a more constructive way as opposed to
just accusing someone. Careful of I vs You
language.
The Magic Formula: I feel x, when you y, I need z. X is a
specific feeling, y is the relational message you're trying
to communicate, and z is the counter-relational
message.
Example: I feel unappreciated when you come
home and don;t help around the house, I need
you to help around the house when you get
home.