RELATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

What is a Relationship Interaction between two people over time Verbal and nonverbal exchanges

Aspects of Interaction CONTENT –what people say and do; breadth and depth PATTERN –Structure of how people say and do; sequences CONTEXT –Interaction takes place within a context that affects meaning CONTINUITY –Past, present, future

Properties of Relationship Development Partners interact more often, for longer periods of time, and in a widening array of settings Partners attempt to restore proximity when separated, and feel comfortable when proximity is regained Partners “open up” to each other, in the sense that they disclose secrets and share physical intimacies Partners become less inhibited, more willing to share positive & negative feelings, & to praise and criticize each other.

Partners develop their own communication system and become ever more efficient in using it Partners increase their ability to map and anticipate each others’ views of social reality They begin to synchronize their goals & behavior & develop stable interpersonal patterns They increase in the relationship, thus their investment enhancing it’s importance in their life space they begin increasingly to feel that their separate interests are inextricably tied to the well-being of their relationship

Partner’s increase their liking, trust & love for each other Partner’s see the relationship as irreplaceable, or at least as unique Partner’s more and more relate to others as a couple rather than as individuals