The fairy tales say that once upon a time a girl met a boy; they fell in love, and lived happily ever after. Reality is not that simple. Long-term relationships force couples to get to know each other, involve themselves in each others’ worlds, fight through the hard times, and eventually develop deeper connections through distinctive stages of Knapp’s relationship model. Although I have dated the same person for over two years, the stages of our communication make it seem as though I am now dating a different person following dissolution and subsequent repair. However, even the most exhilarating of roller coaster rides develop through a combination of ups and downs, much like the stages of a relationship. Initial contact came the moment he caught my eye during cross-country. I perceived immediate attraction and my friends began referring to him as Paige’s crush. Similarity of interests connected us and provided opportunities for interactional contact through high school soccer. The relationship developed from afar as we watched and learned about each other through the proximity of our neighborhoods, living only a mile apart. Exhilarating, heart-pumping rushes of emotion overwhelmed me each time John called. Showing Interest, John pursued me and wanted to spend time together. Our personalities meshed. Uncontrollable Duchenne smiles took over when I saw or thought about him. Team dinners required no need to speak because our nonverbal communication and eye contact said it all, demonstrated by winks and silly faces. By the end of the summer we were bound and officially dating. Getting to know each other continued as our involvement expanded and disclosure developed quickly. I soon learned topical boundaries when bringing u... ... middle of paper ... ...le because we live in reality. It taught us how to improve through the stages of relationships. My long term relationship reached new levels of involvement and intimacy through difficult times that others may use as a reason to terminate what they once had. Instead, we used the low points as a way to better appreciate the high points of our new reality. Continuing our relationship still today, we learn to cooperate through listening and receiving before responding in a harsh tone. Knapp’s cycle continues on a course headed towards repair or termination and John and I learned to work through our issues in a calm and rational way because we have complete trust in our relationship. John and I take our mistakes and avoid negative disclosure in each discussion. John and I found a system of communication that works for us and every relationship will be different.
Chapters 5 and 6 in Extraordinary Relationships gave a good introduction into new concepts relating to Human Interactions and Relationships. These new concepts give a better idea in understanding relationship patterns and the various emotions that come along with relationships. Two concepts that stood out to me that were discussed throughout the chapter were relationship patterns and relationship emotions. Over time many relationships develop their own unique patterns. In many cases these patterns have been part of the individual all along. Gilbert (1992) states “Usually what people do in a relationship crises is more of the same thing they have been doing, only more intensely and more anxiously” (pg.36). When individuals go through relationship
In Mark Knapp’s model of relationship development, there are 5 stages of romantic relationships coming together and 5 stages of romantic relationships coming apart. In this paper I will chose 4 stages to further explore. With each of the four stages I will use song lyrics to help analyze these stages. The first stage I have chosen to analyze is the stagnating stage and I used the song do I by Luke Bryan. Secondly, I chose the song falling for you by Colbie Caillet to help examine the intensifying stage. Third, I chose the integrating stage and I used the song from this moment on by Shania Twain featuring Bryan White to help interpret this stage. Lastly, I chose the song when I said I do by Clint Black and Lisa Hartman to explain the bonging stage of Mark Knapp’s model of relationship development.
“When Harry Met Sally” depicts the ups and downs of a relationship between and man and a woman over the course of twelve years. These ups and downs are also referred to as the ten interpersonal relationship stages. A couple’s communication throughout their relationship, both positive and negative, determine whether the relationship will be maintained or terminated. Although some couples experience every stage from the beginning to the end of their relationship, many partners, like Harry and Sally, flow back and forth between these stages and sometimes skip a stage completely, making every relationship entirely unique.
Karen, R., (1998). Becoming Attached: First Relationships and How They Shape Our Capacity to Love. New York: Oxford Press.
This standard looks at whether or not the theory opens up a new perspective that is uniquely human. When trying to understand the laws that govern relationships, Baxter and Montgomery looked at many relationships and found that there were contradictions, different expectations, and several other misconceptions. This led the...
Beginning a relationship is usually different from person to person, but with mostly every relationship, there is a cycle that is known as “Relational Development” which illustrates the rise and fall of relationships into ten stages (pg. 283). In the film, The Breakup, Vaughn, who takes on the
Petersen, J.C. (2007). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating & Connecting in Relationships. Tigard, OR: Petersen Publications
"Interpersonal attraction refers to positive feelings about another person. It can take many forms, including liking, love, friendship, lust, and admiration" (spark notes). Sometimes these kinds of relationships can happen between individuals that people meet throughout their daily lives. For any relationship to exist or last,last there has to be effective communication. Communication is a major factor used to either build up or tear down interpersonal relationships. Also, having effective listening skills helps the relationship become stronger. In the movie, 50 First Dates, there are many instances where interpersonal relationships are illustrated. This paper will discuss the different types of interpersonal relationships that are found in the movie, as well as how important communication is in a relationship to keep that bond strong and last.
... L., Andersen, P., & Afifi, W. (2011). Close encounters: Communication in relationships. (3 ed., pp. 322-330). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
When times passes, relationships, among other numerous things, are subject to change. Relationships evolve throughout life, which is evident
Stafford, Laura, and Andy J. Merolla. "Idealization, Reunions, and Stability in Long-distance Dating Relationships." Sage Journals. University of Nevada: Reno -- Library, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
Over the decade in the western world, traditional dating was gradually overtaken by the high school “going steady/ boyfriend-girlfriend” approach. (3). On the term side, a ‘relationship’ means to have a connection, association, or involvement with someone or something. (3). This may include the involvement of blood,
Our official journey began on August 2, 1997 in Las Vegas. That was our wedding day and my official entry into married life. Tim and I said, ?I do? in Clark County, Nevada. The clerk declared us 'best friends for life' in a ceremony with just the two of us. That declaration was more profound and welcomed than one any priest could have made.
Thumbs Out A girlfriend of mine once defended me to her father by saying, calmly, “Not everyone who wanders is lost.” The dad kicked me out of the house anyway. But the damage had been done. Not everyone who wanders is lost.