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Stages of Interpersonal Relationships

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Phases of Interpersonal Relationship Development
A relationship is the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. It involves building and maintaining a bond of trust and transparency. The development of interpersonal relationship involves the initiation, development and maintenance of the relationship. The ability to identify and control the deterioration of the relationship will determine whether the relationship will continue or end on a negative note. A relationship goes through six stages that will ultimately end up in one of two endings, repairing stage or dissolution stage. They are: * Contact- When people first meet, the first perceptual reaction is to evaluate the other person and decide whether or not to engage. This takes place in a matter of seconds and is an involuntary response related to our "fight or flight" instincts. * Involvement- At the second stage, individuals disclose information about themselves and engage in deeper conversations. The involvement process may also include testing to see if the other person is ready to commit to the next level or if it is better to leave things as they are and not bother developing the relationship further. * Intimacy- A relationship is at its deepest and most committed level. Individuals self-disclose and the commitment moves into the public forum. Changing minds occur in this stage. This involves such demonstrations as getting married or individuals publicly declaring that they are good friends. This stage may also be tempered with anxiety about securing the relationship or fulfillment. * Deterioration- Conflict and arguments may arise once the rose-tinted glasses are replaced with the frictions generated by sharing close quarters or spending too much time together. Petty issues become causes for major confrontations. Communication

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