A
What factor is considered crucial at the stage of acquaintanceship?
Attraction
This is a stage when casual acquaintances begin to develop into deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Buildup Stage
What does the consolidation stage in an intimate relationship mean?
The stage where couples commit to a long term relationship
It is the stage where the partnership weakens due to loss of commitment, trust, or shared values.
Decline or Deterioration
When a love story doesn’t end with “forever,” what stage of an intimate relationship are the partners in?
Ending/Termination
How does "exposure" contribute to attraction?
It creates repeated possibilities of interaction due to proximity.
During the buildup stage, communication and the time spent together usually do this.
Increased/Increases
Why is financial stability an important factor before committing to marriage?
It helps sustain a household and family needs
What is one emotional sign that a relationship is deteriorating?
Emotional withdrawal, such as reduced affection or communication
If someone says, “It’s not you, it’s me,” or decides to ghost their partner, what type of breakup is this?
Informal Termination
What does "propinquity" or "proximity" refer to in the context of acquaintanceship?
Being physically closer to one another.
In the buildup stage, people often share hobbies, outings, or family events. This is known as engaging in ______.
Diverse Activities
How can career readiness influence a couple’s decision to commit long-term?
It provides stability and direction for building a family
How does infidelity impact the relationship as a whole?
It breaks trust, weakens respect, and often destabilizes or ends the partnership.
Divorce papers and court hearings are part of which type of relationship ending?
Formal Termination
How do propinquity and exposure work together in fostering attraction?
Propinquity creates physical closeness, while exposure increases repeated interactions, together raising the likelihood of attraction.
When individuals start introducing each other to family and friends, they are expanding this aspect of their relationship.
Social Network
In what ways does the readiness to raise children affect the decision to marry?
It makes couples consider marriage more seriously because it requires emotional maturity, financial capacity, and stability
What role does communication play in preventing deterioration?
Open and honest communication helps resolve conflicts early and maintain intimacy.
Some couples stay together even when unhappy. Can you name two reasons they might postpone breaking up?
Children/finances/fear of being alone/shared responsibilities
If two people meet often by coincidence but share no similarities, which factor is influencing their acquaintanceship most strongly?
Exposure, since repeated interaction due to proximity can still foster attraction despite lack of similarity.
In the buildup stage, both individuals “test the waters” to explore trust, comfort, and compatibility. What is this process called?
Boundary Testing
How do personal standards, such as household management and family support, influence long-term commitment in relationships?
They guide couples in determining if they are prepared for shared responsibilities
Why is deterioration considered a “critical juncture” in relationships?
Because it forces couples to decide between repairing the relationship or ending it for individual well-being.
Before pressing the “breakup button,” what big life factors should couples think about first? Give at least 2
Communication/personal readiness/long-term goals/future plans