It is unlikely for a relationship to exist in the absence of communication. Without this connection, individuals cannot share ideas. All interactions will be useless. While attraction leads to fondness, it is how people interact that glues them together. So, although means and forms and communication differ, the principles are constant. An understanding of communication theories can place one at a vantage position. Of importance are two theories: Relational Dialectics Theory and Genderlect Style Theory. These two theories are not only valid but also identify the key factors that enhance or inhibit interpersonal communication within social contexts.
Indeed, the articulation of these two theories can increase one’s chances of building healthy …show more content…
The Relational Dialectic theory is valid when one is identifying the source of conflicts in relationships. In such situations, it is clear that the thoughts and the actions of those in a relationship clash. It helps establish a binding position for discussions, because of the “contradiction between connection and autonomy as primary strain within all relationships. If one side wins this me-we tug-of-war, the relationship loses” (Griffin, Ledbetter, & Sparks, 2015, pp. 139). It occurs that when people are in a relationship, they have to accept one another and create terms of engagement. But in the pursuit of these terms, one can create tensions with the internal values gained from experience. On the other hand, aspects of the Genderlects Style occur when men and women converse. While women will be interested in cultivating emotional depth, men will avoid sentimentalism. As such, their discussions will be based on facts and fewer assumptions. Men also seek to accentuate status, but women tend to focus on social bonds. The Genderlect Style extends cultural theories to the genders asserting that “understanding each other’s style, and the motives behind it, is the first step in overcoming destructive responses” (Griffin, Ledbetter, & Sparks, 2015, pp. 438). For example, it uses the same principle that explains the difference between Americans and Chinese in interactions and applies the same elements to gender …show more content…
The Relational Dialectics Theory is relevant because it help the identification of sources of conflict, and so helps overcome the trivial and focus on the essential, which is the maintaining of a healthy relationship. Its application in my endeavors has been of benefit by increasing my chances of avoiding conflicts and focus on the common elements that bring people together. With the understanding of this theory, it is easier to manage conflicts in social settings. Even so, the Genderlect Styles Theory has enhanced my relationship with members of different genders. It is possible to understand the value system based on this theory and, therefore, pursue valid and memorable interpersonal encounter. With this knowledge of the strategies that men and women adopt, it is possible to “create impressions, some of which may differ significantly from the truth” (Tannen, 2001, pp. 47). One can identify and clear the assumptions, leading to a positive
Indeed, the articulation of these two theories can increase one’s chances of building healthy …show more content…
The Relational Dialectic theory is valid when one is identifying the source of conflicts in relationships. In such situations, it is clear that the thoughts and the actions of those in a relationship clash. It helps establish a binding position for discussions, because of the “contradiction between connection and autonomy as primary strain within all relationships. If one side wins this me-we tug-of-war, the relationship loses” (Griffin, Ledbetter, & Sparks, 2015, pp. 139). It occurs that when people are in a relationship, they have to accept one another and create terms of engagement. But in the pursuit of these terms, one can create tensions with the internal values gained from experience. On the other hand, aspects of the Genderlects Style occur when men and women converse. While women will be interested in cultivating emotional depth, men will avoid sentimentalism. As such, their discussions will be based on facts and fewer assumptions. Men also seek to accentuate status, but women tend to focus on social bonds. The Genderlect Style extends cultural theories to the genders asserting that “understanding each other’s style, and the motives behind it, is the first step in overcoming destructive responses” (Griffin, Ledbetter, & Sparks, 2015, pp. 438). For example, it uses the same principle that explains the difference between Americans and Chinese in interactions and applies the same elements to gender …show more content…
The Relational Dialectics Theory is relevant because it help the identification of sources of conflict, and so helps overcome the trivial and focus on the essential, which is the maintaining of a healthy relationship. Its application in my endeavors has been of benefit by increasing my chances of avoiding conflicts and focus on the common elements that bring people together. With the understanding of this theory, it is easier to manage conflicts in social settings. Even so, the Genderlect Styles Theory has enhanced my relationship with members of different genders. It is possible to understand the value system based on this theory and, therefore, pursue valid and memorable interpersonal encounter. With this knowledge of the strategies that men and women adopt, it is possible to “create impressions, some of which may differ significantly from the truth” (Tannen, 2001, pp. 47). One can identify and clear the assumptions, leading to a positive