Week 2: Interpersonal Foundations & Relational Goals
Week 2 Summary
Week Summary
This week, we looked at interpersonal relationships and the goals that drive how we communicate within them. We examined how relationships range from casual acquaintances to intimate partnerships, each with distinct communication patterns and expectations. We also identified three primary relational goals - self-presentation, relationship building, and instrumental objectives - that shape how we interact with others.
Key Takeaways
- 1Different relationship types (acquaintance, friend, romantic, family, professional) require different communication approaches
- 2We pursue three main relational goals: self-presentation, relationship goals, and instrumental goals
- 3These goals often overlap and sometimes conflict, requiring us to prioritize
- 4Healthy relationships across all types share common characteristics: respect, trust, communication, and reciprocity
- 5Understanding relational goals helps us communicate more intentionally and effectively
Coming Up Next Week
Next week, we'll explore perception and attribution - how we form impressions of others and explain their behavior. Understanding perception is crucial because our interpretations of others' actions directly impact our communication choices and relationship outcomes.