Week 2: Interpersonal Foundations & Relational Goals
Mapping Your Relational Network
Instructions
This activity helps you visualize and reflect on your network of relationships. Take 20-25 minutes to thoughtfully complete each prompt. Consider how your communication differs across relationship types.
1Practice Prompt
Create a simple map of your current relationships by listing 2-3 people in each category: acquaintances, friends, family, romantic (if applicable), and professional. How does your communication style differ with people in each category?
You can use initials or first names only to maintain privacy.
2Practice Prompt
Choose one friendship and one professional relationship from your map. Compare and contrast how you pursue self-presentation goals in each. What image do you try to project, and why does it differ?
Consider factors like formality, topics you discuss, and how much you reveal about yourself.
3Practice Prompt
Think about a relationship that has changed significantly over time (e.g., an acquaintance who became a close friend, or a friendship that grew distant). What communication behaviors contributed to that change?
Consider both positive and negative changes in relationships.
4Practice Prompt
Review the principles of healthy relational communication from the reading. Identify one relationship where you'd like to strengthen one of these principles. What specific communication change could you make this week?
Choose a small, concrete action you can actually implement.