Communication In The Break Up

Communication is essential for a positive and healthy relationship. In the movie “The Break Up” poor communication skills are demonstrated, resulting in an unhealthy relationship. Gary and Brooke both fail to handle their problems like adults. The couple tends to rely on other people instead of trying to solve their own problems. When differences arise, couples should be able to talk it out cooperatively. Throughout this movie there are several examples of miscommunication. This movie shows how poor communication can dissolve a relationship. Three of the main theories demonstrated in this movie are conflict management, verbal and nonverbal communication. The main reason Brooke and Gary broke up was due to the lack of communication, listening,

Brooke and Gary both fail to use proper verbal communication. “Common sense tells us that the topic such as verbal communication should be a central concern both for the scientific study of communication and for the scientific study of language” (Rocci, Verbal Communication). The verbal tones both partners used, sent messages to one another that had several connotations. “Connotation is the feelings or evaluations we personally associate with a word” (O’Connell, Verbal Communication Lecture). Before this phone call Gary told Brooke “Nothing I ever do is good enough for you,” and Brook responds “You don’t care about me.” Both partners are using “I” and “You,” which makes them defensive towards one another for assuming what the other feels and thinks. The tone of voice Brooke had when she told Gary that she was done, was a connotation. When Brooke said she was “done,” it was more of her wanting him to apologize, and fight for her, not let her walk away so easily. When Gary told Brooke he just wanted her to leave him the hell alone, the level of meaning was misunderstood. “Language has different levels of meaning” (O’Connell, Verbal Communication Lecture). Gary intended to imply that he needed space, and time to think and breathe on his own, but Brooke took it as if she should untie the knot, and break up with