Interpersonal Relationships (Essay Sample)

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Interpersonal Relationships
Introduction
Communication is the building block of all relationships. It involves the passage of message between two parties or among many communicating parties. Communication is an undeniable tool of human existence as it governs the day to day activities of people. In addition, communication is an effective tool in shaping individual relationship at a personal lever and the society culture at large. Effective communication involves the proper and timely delivery of the relevant message between communicating partners (Kreuz 10). Communication has been identified as the major factor determining the stability and the depth of interpersonal relationships. Although verbal communication forms the bulk in individual interaction processes, non-verbal cues mainly plays greater role in interpersonal communications as compared to verbal communication (Wood 12). Interpersonal communication mainly involves creation of emotional connection between the partners through sharing of resources, ideas and offering emotional support to each other. Effective communication is a vital tool for intimate relationships as it ensure emotional connectivity between the partners at all times. In addition, proper methods of problem solving coupled with proper communication ensure greater success chances of intimate relationship. Communication However, great complexity surrounds the topic of appropriate communication since communication varies with the context and the individuals’ social orientations (Kreuz 14). Research findings revealed that male and female communicate differently due to differences in their psychological aspects. Women tend to seek and offer verbal support more than men. In addition, people come to a relationship with different expectations and communication. Communication is mainly modelled in the community set up where the cultural dictates, past experience and the individual expectations shapes a person’s orientation toward communicating with other people (Mcphee 17). When individuals communicate, their communication is influenced by the perception that each party in the communication process has, regarding the other party. Each party to a communication is guided by prior experience and the perception of oneself in addition to the definition they attach to the other communicating partner.
Interpersonal relationships are arrangements between two individuals who possess different psychological needs that they hope the relationship will provide for (Mcphee 34). The differing attitudes and expectations in a relationship make conflict inevitable. However, conflict in a relationship is not essentially harmful but the method of solving those conflicts is the one that can lead to a stronger union or the breakage of the relationship. Misunderstandings and poor communication are the major causes of conflicts in a relationship which mainly stems up from the failure of the relationship to satisfy the expectations of one or both partners in the relationship. However, with proper and effective communication, partners in a relationship can learn how to handle their unmet expectations and build a strong relationship based on understanding, respect and trust. Effective communication though critical in a relationship, is really practiced mainly because parties in the relationship do not understand what constitute effective communication. Partners always talk to each other daily without necessarily communicating. This area of communication in particular interpersonal communication has been subject for research among social scientists and their study has helped develop various approaches to communication
Effective communication facilitate better understanding of situations and persons which facilitates the creation of stronger relationships by increasing trust, respect and enabling amicable resolution of conflicts. Effective communication as akey element in the formation and maintenance of a relationship entails the observance and practice of several communication techniques; good interpersonal communication requires the partner to be good listeners. Listen involves paying attention to the message as it is being conveyed by the other party. Effective listening not only involves grasping the message being received but the understanding the emotions of the communicators and the importance the communicator attaches to the message. For proper communication, the partners must create a conducive environment where the partners feel free to communicate with ease. Proper listening encourages continued communication and the creation of stronger connection between partners (Mcphee 40). When one listening to the other partner, one should concentrate in understanding the message conveyed rather than think of a response to the partner. One should encourage the communicator maintaining eye contact and responding appropriately. In addition, one should focus on the body language and other non-verbal cues as this provide more information than the verbal massage
Intimate relationships require openness in addressing the issues affecting the relationship. Since individuals in a relationship have different needs, it is important for partners to embrace proper communication since it is the vehicle through which such needs are revealed and satisfied. However, parties to this communication need to be honest with each other and express their concerns free from anger and stress. Stress interferes with the person’s ability to think creatively and understand the message sent. This results to misunderstanding of the information and therefore distortion of the intended message. Proper management of stress is therefore a key aspect in achieving healthy communication (Esere 4). One should recognise when their stress level increases and take some time out to cool down. In addition, one can reduce the seriousness of a talk by incorporating humour in the conversation to mitigate stress build up.
Emotion awareness is a key element towards effective interpersonal communication. Our approach towards communication is mainly influenced by our emotions rather than our thinking. In this regard, one should understand their feelings well and the reason behind such feelings for them to communicate effectively with their loved ones. Emotional awareness not only enables one to understand their emotional needs, but also the needs of their partners (Esere 3). This facilitates effective communication geared towards addressing the feelings of the other person which results in emotional convergence facilitating creation of a strong and a rewarding relationship.
Theories of interpersonal communication
Sociologists and psychologist have studied the area of communication for a long time. Many research studies have been directed to this area in an effort to understand human behaviour and the factors informing human interactions and communication. Different theories have been advanced to explain these constructs; social exchange theory postulates that the rewards from a relationship should exceed the cost associated with relationship investments (Kreuz 12). The theory suggests that people form relationships based on the perceived benefits to be achieved from the union. In addition, people tend to maximise outcome by reducing cost and therefore, when the perceived benefits are great, then people tend to reveal more information about themselves, which leads to a strong relationship.
Altman and Taylor developed the social penetration theory which argues that, communication between partners increases from simple no intimate levels to deep personal levers as the relationship develops. This implies that, as partners spend more time together, they increase the chances to reveal more personal information which increases their compatibility and the strength of their relationship.
Uncertainty reduction theory argues that, human being in their cause ...