Relationship Development Model
Relationship Development Model
Introduction
Interpersonal relationships can be formed on the basis of love, solidarity and commitment towards a common cause. The Relational development model as proposed by Knapp demonstrates the ideal path of interpersonal relationship between individuals. Here are two main phases as stipulated by the model: the coming together and coming-apart stage. The coming together phase involves meeting individual for the first time and forming lasting bonds (Knapp, & Vangelisti, 2008). The coming-apart phase involves breaking away due to conflict and lack of intimacies and love that had bond the parties together. In both phases communication if paramount as it helps parties address issues, share ideas and opinions of various issues. It also helps parties determine a common ground hence get along and strengthen their relationship. The paper analyzes the personal relationship that Max and I have been involved in, for the last three years.
Relational Development Model: Stages
My partner Max and I have been in a relationship for the last three years. Though we are not married yet, the relationship has passed through most of the stages as proposed in Knapp’s Model of relationship development.
The first stage was the initiating stage in which my boyfriend and I met for the first time. I had gone to a nearby Café to take coffee and coincidentally, he also had come to take coffee. We bumped on each other and after a rushed excuse me, we both headed to the counter. However, our eyes remained glued to each other as Max, and I grinned from ear to ear, a non verbal cue that we liked each other. As we exited the Café, he was confident enough to ask for my name and number. I gladly offered him my contact and with a firm handshake and wide smile we parted ways.
The second state of the relationship was the experimenting stage (Knapp, & Vangelisti, 2008). This occurred on our first lunch date, which we set after Max called me that evening. We were both curious to find out details about each other. The lunch date was formal as we were unfamiliar with each other. At the lunch date, we discovered that we both love base ball, and we shared the same favorite dish. The similarities were overwhelming as we began to engage in animated conversation about recent baseball games. The conversation was a two-way dialogue in which Max expressed his favorite team, and I expressed mine (Knapp, & Vangelisti, 2008). It was clear that our passion for baseball helped us form a stronger friendship. As we parted ways after lunch, we engage in a casual hug and a peck on the cheek.
The intensifying stage marked the third stage of our relationship. In this stage, Max and I had become close friends, and we were freely sharing personal details such as family relations, personal fears and ambitions in life. Our communication had moved from a public and general level to a personal and intimate level. At this stage, we considered the probability of getting into an actual relationship as we began to visualize a future together. Max and I began to exchange gifts e.g. I bought him a watch, and he bought me a lovely chain. Max, for the first time, also introduced me to his neighbor as his girlfriend. It was a title I dint object as we had been seeing each other for over a month.
The fourth stage was the integrating stage in which we officially became a couple (Knapp, & Vangelisti, 2008). This meant that we were now more than friends. We introduced each other to our friends, began to attend social functions together. We began to attend baseball games with Max and his friends as I quickly blended with his friends. He also became a familiar face among my friends who acknowledge that he was my partner. By this time, we would walk hand in hand on the streets, and to the mall. Expressions of affection such as passionate hugs and kisses were ordinary. Alternatively, we would spend the weekends in each other’s apartments, an indicator that we intended to live as man and wife in the future.
The final stage in our relationship is the bonding stage. Max and I look forward to passing through this state which involves going public and legally acknowledging that we are committed to each other. Max and I are quite happy, and we hope to get married soon thus completing the five stages Knapp Model of relationship development. I hope we never get to the coming-apart stages which are marked increased differences, setting of limits, limited communication, avoidance and termination of the relationship (Knapp, & Vangelisti, 2008).
Knapp’s relational development Model in the Future
The Knapp model is effective in determining the future and direction of relationships. Relationships can be between partners, colleagues and friends. The Knapp model can be used to establish interpersonal relationships with other parties. The stage guide one to determine whether a relationship is viable. The viability of a relationship can be achieved through effective communication. Parties can use the Knapp model to engage in verbal and non verbal communication and determine their compatibility (Knapp, & Vangelisti, 2008). I thus can use the Knapp model, to advice and guide friends or colleagues entering into relationships with others.
Reference
Knapp, M. & Vangelisti, A. (2008). Interpersonal communication and human relationships.Allyn and Bacon
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