The document discusses the stages of relationships from initiation to termination. It describes 6 stages: 1) Initiating - characterized by nervousness and caution. 2) Experimenting - finding common interests and goals. 3) Intensifying - increased comfort and trust as each learns more about the other. 4) Integrating - personalities start to merge into more of a "we". 5) Bonding - a commitment is announced, making it harder to break away. 6) Coming apart - the relationship deteriorates through differentiating, circumscribing, stagnating, avoiding, and ultimately terminating.

1. Chapter 8 Evaluating and Improving Relationships, part 1

2. Reasons for Failed Relationships Do you agree? Why the different reasons? Versus

3. Stages of a Relationship Most relationships begin with superficial conversations and interactions and if the two like each other then will increase the length and breadth of disclosure I see you like the color blue… I love your jacket… Oh, I hate that too…

4. Stages of a Relationship Initiating Characterized by nervousness, caution, hesitation; these work to protect us against rejection What are the more positive characteristics of this stage?

5. Stages of a Relationship Experimenting An effort is made to find common interests and goals This stage may take a long time This stage is more relaxed than the first, but still uncertain A relationship may stay at this stage

6. Stages of a Relationship Intensifying This stage is much more comfortable as each person knows more about the other Pet names or inside jokes often begin in this stage Trust is stronger; is often good but some may see it as increased vulnerability

7. Stages of a Relationship Integrating Personalities start to merge; more of a “we” than he and she Some people dislike this stage and may end the relationship for fear of losing his/her individuality or fear of being “tied down”

8. Stages of a Relationship Bonding An announcement of commitment is made (marriage, making it “official”, wearing his jacket, etc) This stage makes it more difficult for each to break away Nonromantic relationships enter this stage as well

9. Coming Apart Differentiating People focus not on being a “we” but being an individual Much of the conversation in the this stage focuses on the differences; arguments about being incompatible This may be healthy is the people can work things out and get past it

10. Coming Apart Circumscribing Less and less information is exchanged Avoidance of points that may cause conflict People often pursue different activities Often try to cover up any problems in the relationship to outsiders

11. Coming Apart Stagnating The relationship does not grow, the partner do not communicate like they are in a relationship Partner may want to hold on simply for the sake of comfort, familiarity Either or both may feel unwanted, bored, sentimental, etc

12. Coming Apart Avoiding Physical separation Characterized by unfriendliness, hostility If physical separation is not possible, the people may act as the other does not exist

13. Coming Apart Terminating The relationship comes to an end Differences are emphasized and communication usually ends as well Some relationships cannot completely end; in the case of children