Knapps Relationship Model

Knapp’s Relationship Model explores how relationships form and dissipate. Steps in Knapp’s Relationship Model can be skipped, and two persons in a relationship do not have to be at the same place in the model at the same time. The “coming together” section of the model contains five steps: Initiation, Experimentation, Intensifying, Integration, and Bonding. The first step, Initiation, is related to the first impression someone has about an individual based primarily on that individual’s physicality. During the second stage, Experimentation, individuals learn about one another’s likes and dislikes and seek to formulate a connection based on a common interest. Meanwhile, the Intensifying stage is when individuals begin to showcase their true selves and to divulge more personal …show more content…
While at one of these meetings toward the end of October, I learned that Jessica’s family does not own a car and that she walks back and forth to school every day. As I lived near Jessica, I offered to walk home with her so that she would not have to walk alone and to give her rides home when my mother was able to pick me up from school. While on these walks and car rides, I was able to learn more information about Jessica’s likes, dislikes, and interests outside of Best Buddies. I learned that her favorite subject is Chemistry and that her least favorite food is pineapple. I also learned that we are both interested in baking and want to become better runners. This experience correlates with the second stage of Knapp’s Relationship Model, Experimentation, as Jessica and I learned about each other’s likes and dislikes and formed a connection based upon our mutual love of baking and common goal of becoming more physically