Stages of Relationship
The very first stage of a relationship, where people greet each other and try to make a good impression.
Initiating
Sharing personal information on purpose to build or grow a relationship.
Self-disclosure
These are universal emotions like joy, fear, and anger that appear quickly and instinctively.
Primary
This occurs when people have incompatible goals or opposing viewpoints.
Conflict
This type of communication occurs when people mutually influence each other in personal ways.
Interpersonal
In this stage, people exchange basic info, make small talk, and look for shared interests
Experimenting
This theory says we open up to others over time, increasing the depth and breadth of what we share.
Social Penetration
These sociocultural rules determine how emotions should be shown in different contexts.
Display
This style of conflict management avoids confrontation and may include passive behavior.
Avoiding
This goal focuses on getting things done like asking for help or support.
Instrumental
This stage shows growing closeness, with personal convos, inside jokes, and using “we.”
Intensifying
This theory says we evaluate ourselves by comparing our traits and abilities with others.
Social Comparison
The type of intelligence that involves understanding and using emotions effectively.
Emotional
This style balances moderate concern for self and others, often leading to a partial win/loss.
Compromising
This kind of communication helps keep relationships healthy, like celebrating or checking in.
Relational
This stage is marked by distance—people reduce contact, avoid topics, and even avoid each other.
Avoiding
The type of self-disclosure where someone reveals a personal issue to relieve stress or get support.
Self-focused
This culture type values group harmony over individual expression of emotions.
Collectivistic
This cultural theory explains how individuals manage face during conflict interactions.
Facework
These unique phrases or nicknames strengthen closeness and a sense of "insider" connection.
Idioms
The final stage where people officially end the relationship, sometimes with a conversation.
Terminating
A communication tension where we want to share and be open, but also keep some things private.
Dialectic
This cultural phenomenon in the U.S. pushes people to express positivity regardless of how they feel.
Cheerfulness
This term describes a repeated conflict pattern, often involving issues like criticism or rejection.
Serial
These are deeply ingrained communication patterns based on previous experiences and culture.
Schemata