Everyday people are looking to have a positive experience with those that they interact with. With each interaction one has with another, that individual attempts to maximize the benefits and minimize the cost. This is known as the Social Exchange theory (Verderber). How we handle a conflict can either make or break a relationship. The movie, The Breakup with Jennifer Anniston and Vince Vaughn in a great example of Social Exchange theory in film. Many movies/shows came to mind for this paper like the Little Mermaid, Friends, Despicable Me, Love Actually and Titanic. I think it is pretty safe to say that most movies will have some example of the Social Exchange theory. People enter into situations they believe will be rewarding. They seek rewards but avoid cost if possible. In the …show more content…
People choose the companion whose traits will bring them the most happiness. People in relationships expect things to be fair. As one becomes more dependent on a relationship, commitment to that relationship is established. Brooke eventually comes to the realization that she’s not fighting for her condo as much as she is fighting for her relationship. In many situations, it seems easier to walk away from conflict in order to keep it from escalating. Handling a conflict with more conflict will never end peacefully. Towards the end, Brooke says to Gary, “I don’t know how we got here” (Reed). They are completely incompatible, have many irreconcilable differences, false ideas of love, poor communication and lack of conflict resolution is how they got “there”. She wants someone to listen to her and be interested in the things she is like the ballet. "It's not about doing the things that you love, it's about doing things with the one you love" (Reed). Brooke realizes she is with someone who she has very little in common with. They both feel unappreciated in the