"...We need to get close to each other to have a sense of community, [and belonging], but we need to keep our distance to preserve our independence ..."

Deborah Tannen
Georgtown Professor

Interpersonal Relationships


Characteristics

Context

Dyadic relationships are unlike other forms. If one partner withdraws, the relationship dies. Partners in dyadic relationships cannot form coalitions to get their needs met.

Quality

This occurs when people treat one another as unique individuals, regardles of the context such as speaking to the grocery store clerk. We do not have the energy to invest that much in everyone we meet. Most reltaionships are iipersonal interaction.

But it is the scarcity of qualitatively interpersonal communication contributes to its value.

Content and Relational Messages

Two basic messages are conveyed in verbal statements. The context and the relational messages. Context is obvious. Relational refers to ho the parties feel toward one another, i.e., inclusion, control, affection or respect.

Do you think that we are largely unaware of relational messages?

Metacommunication

Communication about communication. This shift from context to relational messages is an essential ingredient in successful relationships. The ability to focus on relationship issues helps to keep it on track.

 

Managing Conflict


Nature | Perception  | Languages | Listening | Modalities

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