Stages Of Interpersonal Relationships
1. Acquaintance
2. Build up
3. Continuation
4. Deterioration
5. Ending
Not all interpersonal relationships get to the last stage and it's very normal and there is nothing wrong with that. It just means the relationship was either mismanaged or not meant to be.
Successful interpersonal relationships get to the third stage (continuation). They last until death do us part. Others relationships? Not so much. Some bonds are available for a limited time only.
In these cases, the relationship will go through all five of Levinger’s stages. That means both parties will eventually part ways. This is super common in romantic entanglements. It’s also typical when there is a transition to a new workplace or you graduate from school.
It’s also normal for a relationship to not progress beyond the acquaintance stage. These are known as secondary interpersonal relationships.
Some common examples are:
neighbors
your fave barista
friends of friends
others you interact with on a semi-regular basis
You can exchange pleasantries like Hello and Hi, how are you doing or faring and oftentimes, it doesn’t go beyond this, and nothing evolves any further and remember that it is very okay and just normal.
How Do Interpersonal Relationships Occur?
Like I had earlier said from the definition or meaning of interpersonal relationship, it is something that can be developed over time or something that can be built either intentionally, consciously, or unconsciously. If you build it, interpersonal relationships would come.
There’s no denying it: Relationships require effort and no relationship is perfect. Conflict is bound to happen. Both sides have to work to maintain a positive connection. The most important thing you can do is maintain clear and open communication.
Solid communication doesn’t just create good moments. It also helps you get through the not-so-good ones. Build your relationships on the basis of talking and listening. This will help you work through issues and form stronger bonds.
Also, keep in mind that; The most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. Take care of yourself and your feelings. It’s the only way to ensure a healthy relationship with others. If you don’t consider yourself important and take proper care of yourself, handling another person may be a difficult thing to do, and maintaining a relationship, in this case, becomes or seems impossible and I don’t think you want that that, do you? So first, take care of yourself and you will be able to keep and maintain a healthy and reliable interpersonal relationship.
Important Relationship Habits
There are many important relationship habits one should exhibit especially in maintaining, a good, strong, and healthy bond and relationship with others or the people around you and in your circle. I will list a few of them and I hope you find out more either through research or self-discovery.
1. Establish and maintain boundaries
This is very important and also very crucial. In every relationship, boundaries should be set and each party should respect each other’s boundaries and never cross the line.
2. Trust and Honesty
Be honest and trustworthy. Without trust, there is no relationship and any relationship not built on trust is bound to shake, or even crumble or crash so every bond of friendship or relationship should be trust-bound.
3. Listen to each other
A good relationship is one that has the interest of each other or one another at heart. One should learn to give a listening ear to either their friends or partners. Judge less and listen more, it really helps in strengthening the bond.
4. Respect
Who doesn’t love a relationship that there are so much respect and regard? It is not until you kneel down and worship your friends or partner before one can say you are respectful in a relationship. Like they say that actions speak louder than words, your form of respect should be seen in your actions and also felt with your words and speech, both work together for a better building of a relationship.
5. Feedback and constructive criticism
One who doesn’t like correction would find it difficult to keep or fix a problem in relationships when it arises. Be open to feedback and constructive criticism, it is for your good and the betterment of the relationship, not to destroy the relationship but to make the bond stronger.
Learn to manage your emotions, demands, and expectations. Put in an effort to make the relationship work well even when it seems everything is going wrong. And many other important habits.
Interpersonal relationships are essential to our overall health and happiness. Just remember to manage your expectations. You aren’t going to have a soul mate-level connection with everyone you meet. And that’s okay!. Each interpersonal relationship has something to offer and always be on the lookout for whatever it is or there are.
Thank you for visiting my post today.
Happy New Week;
Have a wonderful Day!
