Fatima Hawkins
Professor Amber Koeckritz
CST 110
7 April 2016

Interpersonal Communication Film Analysis

While any relationship can be difficult, romantic ones seem to be the most complicated. Interpersonal communication can be defined in many ways but is usually described as communication among those in a close relationship (Alberts 189). The Break Up is a perfect movie that will show examples of the definitions used. Individuals initiate relationships with those they see as attractive, while physical appearance is critical in forming a relationship so is a mental and the ability to communicate effectively. When initiating a potential romantic relationship flirting comes in many forms. Ambiguous flirting isn’t overt or obvious …show more content…

Whereas over benefitted people perceive that their rewards exceed their costs and start to feel guilty (Alberts 195).

Although these theories attempt to explain why and how relationships develop, they tend to be somewhat general and don’t focus on the particular types of interactions. The perfect model of relationship development that fits The Break Up is Mark Knapp’s stage model which views relationships as a staircase. The initiation and experimenting stages, people are more concerned with making impressions on each other by observing their appearance and mannerisms and getting to know each other. Intensifying, integrating and bonding are all steps to increase the intimacy and establish the relationship with a label as in “husband and wife” (Alberts 196). When a relationship progresses, there will be misunderstandings and conflict. During this “termination” stage, the couple starts differentiating and circumscribing first, meaning they start to think individually rather than with their partner and limit conversation and will set up boundaries in their communication. An example of differentiating is when Gary decided to buy the pool table and Brooke wasn’t in agreement with it. Stagnation defines the relationship as being complete in many ways but still persisting. Avoidance is when they were still living together but Brooke was dating other men to make Gary jealous. Brooke terminated