Interpersonal Communication Beltline

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What exactly is interpersonal communication? According to DeVito (2011), interpersonal communication is the interaction that takes place between two individuals who share a relationship, and are, therefore, affected by the messages shared between them. Johnson and Averbeck (2010) note that these two persons can either be complete strangers or the two may know each other quite well. Generally, interpersonal communication is thought to occur face-to-face, but through technological advances over the years, the interaction can occur electronically via texts, phone calls, and social networks (Johnson and Averbeck, 2010). As people communicate, conflicts are bound to arise among those who share a relationship, leading to a specific category of interpersonal …show more content…

A “beltline” is basically one’s emotional boundary (DeVito, 2011). When one attacks the other person below the beltline, the victim cannot handle the blow inflicted upon him or her (DeVito, 2011). An example of hitting someone below the beltline would be reminding a woman that she cannot bear children (DeVito, 2011). Hitting someone above the beltline is a blow that the victim will be able to handle emotionally and psychologically (DeVito, 2011). Generally, the beltlining strategy occurs between two individuals who share a very close relationship because both persons are aware of where the beltline stands for each other (DeVito, …show more content…

Gunnysacking is the very famous strategy of one storing up all of his or her feelings inside and exploding when a dispute arises; the conflict could be major or minor (DeVito, 2011). The gunnysacker is generally the type to have feelings of hatred and thoughts filled with bitterness (DeVito, 2011). Because the gunnysacker does not address the real issue that is bothering him or her during the time of the conflict, when the gunnysacker does explode, he or she begins relieving him or her self of all the grievances that may or may not be related to the current dilemma (DeVito, 2011). In conclusion, in a world where communication is the main source of interaction, conflicts tend to arise. Not everyone has the same personality; therefore, the approach one takes when faced with a conflict differs with each individual. Overall, one can see how managing interpersonal conflict is an essential part of interpersonal

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