Intimate relationships are a major topic of interest within the study of communication. The relationships we build with others are a central aspect of our lives. When looking at interpersonal relationships, there are many attributes to consider. Intimate and romantic relationships play a vital role in the social, emotional, and physical abilities of an individual. These relationships offer a sense of belonging, while giving a sense of “mattering” to an individual (Mak & Marshall, 2004). An individual can suffer when they lack interpersonal relationships as these relationships can be associated with many health factors. For example, intimacy has been linked to a longer lifespan, recovery from stroke/heart attack, susceptibility to the common cold, and tolerating colder weather conditions. In addition, romantic relationships “provide a valued social identity, increase in feelings of self worth, and are a source of social integration during the transition to adulthood” (Simon & Barrett, 2010, p. 177). The transition to adulthood is a frightful experience for children as it signals change. During this period of life, many individuals venture away from …show more content…
It is important to maintain and enhance a relationship rather than destroy. Relationship maintenance mechanisms work in two different ways: cognitively and behaviorally. Behavioral maintenance involves the things that partners do to keep the relationship desirable. One behavioral maintenance mechanism that many couples must utilize in long distance relationships is the willingness to sacrifice. This type of mechanism involves personal sacrifices that the partner ideally would not prefer to do, but will promote well-being (Miller, 2011). Examples of this mechanism could be sacrificing a night of being out with friends in order to spend time with their partner on the phone or video
Petersen, J.C. (2007). Why don’t we listen better? Communicating & Connecting in Relationships. Tigard, OR: Petersen Publications
... L., Andersen, P., & Afifi, W. (2011). Close encounters: Communication in relationships. (3 ed., pp. 322-330). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
To sum up Erikson’s psychosocial stages, Intimacy vs. Isolation is present in adults eighteen and up, according to Erickson. When an adolescent begins to share things with someone they would not share with anyone else, they have successfully demonstrated open intimacy. DJ was able to become extremely intimate with her high school sweet heart Steve, and further depict Erickson’s Intimacy vs. isolation as they spoke of a long-term relationship together. The ability to achieve these relationships further demonstrates the secure attachment and ability to hold close
This classic love story describes how people can change once they interact with other people. Moreover, this is an example of how human beings in general need interaction to be normal functioning citizens of society. Having relationships, can make a person feel better about him and can possibly revolutionize or emerge a personality that was quiescent due to lack of interaction. This video demonstrates many facets of interpersonal communication.
Long distance relationships (also known as LDR’s) are one of the toughest types of relationships to maintain. Many variables can affect this type of relationship
In addition to romantic partners, other age peers such as friends and family have the potential to become dominant attachment figures for adults. Throughout adolescence and early adulthood, friends and romantic partners gradually replace parents as the preferred source of emotional support and proximity seeking (Freeman & Brown, 2001; Hazan & Zeifman, 1994). Shifts in attachment tend to be a function of the relationship length, and only longer lasting friendships are likely to create close attachment bonds (Fraley & Davis, 1997). Enduring close friendships have the potential to
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.
Intimate relationships give meaning to life, a sense of identity, of well-being, of security, and of being needed. These relationships allow us to love and be loved. They bring a sense of security and lessen loneliness. Without intimacy there is emotional isolation, and emotional isolation increases the risk of physical and emotional disord...
As we get older our, views, and perspectives on relationships may change. An explanation for this is that we encounter different situations in different relationships. Some relationships may affect us more than others, and can even change the way we think and view things. However, we would have to evaluate our levels of communication with different people. The social penetration theory helps us to categorize the levels of interpersonal communication we have with others. Based on these levels, we are able to categorize the importance and meaning of the relationship. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effects of social penetration theory and how it applies to our lives.
I don’t know where I would be without my best friend. The person who keeps me sane when my family is driving me crazy, or the person who will stay up with me all night to support me when I have a last minute paper due in a class; I don’t know where I would be without that support. I found this support in my best friend, my sister from another father, Regina. Regina is an eccentric, overbearing, lover of all things natural type of girl. She lives life to the fullest and never backs down from a challenge. She is funny, full of whit and sharper than a tack fresh out of the box. Although it hasn’t always been a smooth road for us we still remain friends to this day.
According to Erikson, someone of my age should be facing the crisis of intimacy vs. isolation. A positive outcome brings the virtue of love and is characteri...
Also, Erikson’s Intimacy versus Isolation theory explained that young adults at this stage will think about being intimate or having a close relationship with a person (Miller, 1983). This could be a friend who they can confide in or a sexual partner (Miller, 1983). Those who engage in marriage at a you...
There are many different types of relationships. From your neighbor to your significant other, experiencing different relationships is a part of everyday life. Wether you posses good or bad communication skills will affect the interpersonal relationships within your life. The popular television series Modern Family is a good example of the different types of friendships, types of love, and relationship theories that encompass the everyday person.
nterpersonal relationships in psychology is the study of attraction, matching, forming relationships, staying together, how to maintain a relationship and breaking up. Within this topic it looks at what factors affect the forming and maintenance of relationships. The important factors at the beginning of a relationship may change throughout. Many factors influence relationships and attraction, some are situational for example place, time, proximity, exposure and familiarity and others are personal such as attractiveness, similarity and cost-reward.
There are many things that make humans, human. One major component is the capacity to form and maintain relationships. These relationships are absolutely necessary for any of us to survive, learn, work, love, and procreate. Human relationships take many forms but the most intense, most pleasurable and most painful are those relationships with family, friends and loved ones. Within this inner circle of intimate relationships, we are bonded to each other with emotional paste — bonded with love.