almost done!

Today, we've learned about the relationships. Either intimate or not. I've learned that in every relationship we are in, we always have to go on the same process over and over. There are two models regarding the relationship development. First is the Mark Knapp's model that relates and works well to describe many types of relationships: romantic couples, friends, business partners, roommates, etc..

Mark Knapp's model includes the:

Initiation which is very short, sometimes as short as 10-15 seconds. In this stage, interactants are concerned with making favorable impressions on each other. ExperimentingIn the next stage, individuals ask questions of each other in order to gain information about them and decide if they wish to continue the relationship. Intensifying is when self-disclosure becomes more common in the intensifying stage. The relationship becomes less formal, the interactants begin to see each other as individuals, and statements are made about the level of commitment each has to the relationship.Integrating is when the individuals become a pair in the integrating stage. They begin to do things together and, importantly, others come to see them as a pair.

and lastly, bonding it is when the relationship becomes a formal, sometimes legal, announcement of the relationship is made.

Knapp's Relationship Termination Model includes:

Differentiating this is when, partners begin to stress the "me" instead of the "we." In other words, the individuals begin to assert their independence.Circumscribing is the stage when the communication between the couple diminishes during this stage. They tend to avoid certain topics of discussion. Outwardly, the couple appears normal. At this stage, attempts can be made to discuss the relationship and return it to a positive state.Stagnating Stage is when the individuals avoid discussing the relationship because they think they know what the other will say. Terminating is the final stage of the relationship. Termination may come naturally, such as at the end of the semester when roommates move out, or arbitrarily, through divorce. Termination of the relationship can occur positively or negatively.

Second model is the Stephen Duck's Relationship Filtering Model is another way of looking at how relationships begin.

Duck's Relationship Filtering Model is a set of filters through which we make choices about the level of relationship we wish to pursue with others. The first filter, socioligical/incidental cues, describes the constraints placed on our meeting people due to where we live or work.

Second is the Preinteraction Cues the information we gain about people before we even interact with them leads us to exclude or include individuals with whom we wish to have a relationship.

Third is the Interaction Cues as we begin to interact with others, we make judgments about whether to include or exclude them from possible relationships.

Lastly is the cognitive Cues At the deepest level, we make judgments about people based on their personality and the degree to which we think it will match ours.

From the start, I know that relationships are complicated. There are times when we are the peak of happiness and also in despair. It is only the time that heals everything. The healing and getting in every relationship is a process that everybody has to go thru. Researchers proved that in every relations we have we always go through the same process over and over. But we can avoid the termination stage if and only if the individuals are willing not to terminate the relationship. Today, my belief about relationship became more clear to me and that s is it feels good when you're into it but it is full of sadness when both individual fall apart. =]

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