At some point in our lives we will experience going on a first date. This date could be with someone that you’ve known for years or with someone you’ve just met. My first encounter of a first date has been by far a date that I will never forget. I wondered if my hair, makeup, and outfit were appropriate. Most importantly, it was hard for me to conduct a conversation because I wasn’t sure on what I should talk about that would make him comfortable. I didn’t want to ask millions of questions to make it seem as though it was an interview. I caught myself stuttering, talking quickly, and felt my body temperature rise during the entire date. It was very awkward and it discouraged me from dating for awhile. Then I enrolled in an interpersonal communication class and learned about uncertainty reduction and how it can occur on first dates.
Uncertainty reduction has been studied because the theorists believed that when interacting with someone the more information you learn about them the more comfortable and certain you will be. We all experience uncertainty reduction unconsciously when interacting with others. That is why small talk is very crucial because it is a great way to seek information. Also, we try to find a common ground through similarities in order to decrease awkwardness. During first dates we all wish to make a great first impression but uncertainty can interfere with that. There are many pros and cons that can occur from uncertainty reduction during a first date. My paper will focus on first date goals and expectations, nonverbal communication, dating anxiety, and topic avoidance. All of these are factors when it comes to reducing uncertainty.
What is a date
If you were to ask someone what does it mean when you say that yo...
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...ance, a direct body orientation with open arms and body, leaning forward, nodding, and a positive facial expression and vocal tone” (interpersonal textbook p. 75). This helps reduce uncertainty and creates a sense of feeling comfortable. Which is important for self-discloure, information-seeking, and hopefully future encounters. “During initial interaction and pursuant to any subsequent goals (e.g., self-presentation, relational, instrumental), individuals notice nonverbal expressions of affect that indicate interest in the ongoing encounter” (Ray, Floyd 2006). Nonverbal communication occurs before verbal communication and can also affect it and that is why it is just as important on first dates. It plays a role in the outcome of the date and reduced uncertainty produces positive nonverbal communication and therefore the possibility of another encounter increases.
non verbal(facial expression) can give an expression on how we are feeling about the conversation. It is crucial to be aware of the facial expressions made in conversation. Posture is how the way you holding yourself, whether it be with your hands in the air or on your hips this can give an understanding on how you are feeling and can also put across mixed signals. Hand gestures, these can be used to really emphasise what is being spoken about. Proxemics, this is the space between you and the person you are communicating with. Haptics, this is touching the other person in conversation, this can make some people feel uncomfortable but usual with distressed client it works quite well with just placing a hand on there upper arm for reassurance. Appearance, this is important as a person will already know how they feel about you before a conversation has begun. Par...
Emmers-Sommer, T. M., Farrell, J., Gentry, A., Stevens, S., Eckstein, J., Battocletti, J., & Gardener, C. (2010). First date sexual expectations: the effects of who asked, who paid, date location, and gender. Communication Studies, 61(3), 339-355. doi:10.1080/1051097100375267
"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.
When meeting someone for the first time you are trying to do two things and so is the person you are meeting. The first thing each of you are doing is trying to size up and understand what type of person the other is. The second thing is that you both are trying to get the other person to see you in a certain way by the words said and unsaid and the actions done and not done. You both are acting in one way or another or putting on a performance so that the person you are meeting gets to see you as you are (gets to see you act as you do everyday) or as you want them to see you (act the in a way that makes them believe that this is the way you act in your day-to-day life).
1. Article Details: “College Dating and Social Anxiety” is an article written by Sarah Stevens and Tracy Morris. It was published in CyberPsychology & Behavior in 2007.
If the date is not going as well as you hoped try introducing topic in your conversation that you are both comfortable in. This is prudent as it is easier to get your conversation back to the direction you want it to go from a point of comfort, it is also advisable to notice any topics that may be making your partner uncomfortable and try to avoid them in your future conversations. Be friendly and polite to lessen any
true for initial encounters where there is a mutual high levels of uncertainty "When strangers meet, their primary concern is one of uncertainty reduction or increasing predictability about the behavior of both themselves and the others in the interaction"(Berger and Calabrese). According to Charles Berger, we all experience some deal of anxiety during initial encounters because we are unable to predict or control how the relationship will progress. That is why most of us develop an innate wish and desire to seek information in order to reassure oneself and to feel more secure.
Hands are sweaty, heart is racing, and the feeling of light-headedness is present: these are all symptoms of the classic first date. The average human typically dreads first dates. There are many different first dates someone will go on, however. First, there is the Job Interview; this date is where the person on the date is pounded with questions. Next, there is the Over the Top, Time to Bop; this usually results in the person returning home slightly creeped out. There is also the Fairytale, which leaves the person feeling as though they are living in a romance movie. Lastly, there is the Talk or Walk; this date, no matter how fun the activity of the date is, is just silence. As any person in the dating realm can see, first dates
Dating in our culture is a mysterious thing. The actual definition of a ‘date’ is different for certain people, in certain places and at a certain point in time. Even so, trying to define what dating really is very difficult. But in a general understanding of the term, dating is two people spending time together and going out and doing things, without any real sense of commitment towards each other. That is, they are both generally free to go on dates with other people as well. Focusing on heterosexual dating, there are many patterns or rituals that go into the whole concept of dating. These are hard to tag, because dating rituals are often distinct to particular settings. However, dating rituals have visibly changed throughout the twentieth century, and it is largely due to an advancing society. The advancement of women’s rights, the sexual revolution, and a more liberal and accepting society all help contribute to this change.
After doing more research in the impact of technology on interpersonal relation, I realized that technology isn’t all that great, because it hinder us from socializing practically and create a healthy interpersonal relationship. In like manner, the same goes for online dating because in my opinion, effective communication still needs to be done in person. Body language, voice tone, and physical contact make a huge difference in making conversation more alive.
The Rationale Behind the Prevalence of Online Dating; Its pros and cons: A Pilot Study
Every day humans change aspects of their lives such as the way they dress, work, and even date to make life easier and fun. Currently, people use a new way to relate with others, casual dating. “Casual dating consist on having sex frequently on the first encounter where people often do not know who they are dating and either consider that it could lead them into dangerous situations” (Kunz 389). People should avoid the practice of casual dating because it can be dangerous, negatively affects self-esteem, and health.
On the first date, You should have good manner .When you meet someone .You must be polite and good behavior. (www.huffingtonpost.com) .For example .You don’t talk vulgar language and don’t have behavior with girlfriend or boyfriend .Moreover ,When you go. You must arrive on time because if you late it’s a bad manner and the girlfriend
An example of this might be going to dinner or the movies with a prospective mate, rather than the casual encounters that someone might have with them in everyday interactions. Intimacy does not only pertain to specific acts, but also to verbal and non-verbal expressions of love. Although verbal expressions of intimate feelings through self-disclosure are important to relationship quality, the nonverbal expression appears to be more important. In general, people rely more on nonverbal than verbal cues to interpret messages. Some examples of these nonverbal cues include touch, gaze, gestures, and time spent together.
Non-verbal communication doesn’t involve words, but is a powerful form of communication. The way your body language is tells the other party whether or not you are receiving their message or just listening. When your nonverbal behaviors align with the words you’re saying, they indicate to the person you are communicating with that you are trustworthy. When non-verbal behaviors do not align with your message it sends mixed signals on what you are trying to convey. When communicating in business it is imperative that you are conscious of your own body language and nonverbal cues as well as that of