This text provides an integration of theory and research on communication and relationships. It emphasizes communication as the process through which individuals create and develop intimate relationships while exploring the ways gender and culture affect communication in personal interactions.

This text provides an integration of theory and research on communication and relationships. It emphasizes communication as the primary process through which individuals create, develop, and sustain intimate relationships while exploring the many ways gender, culture, and social context affect communication in personal interactions.

Part One Conceptual foundations for studying personal relationships: Introduction to communication and personal relationships
key concepts
about this book
the nature of personal relationships
first insights into personal relationships
influences on personal relationships
chapter summary
for further reflection and discussion
recommended readings Theoretical Insights into Personal Relationships. Key Concepts. Theorizing Society. Theorizing Social Communities. Theorizing Individuals. Theorizing Relationship Dynamics. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 3. Communication: The Central Dynamic in Personal Relationships. Key Concepts. Communication as Symbolic Interaction. Premises About Communication. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 4. Relational Culture - The Nucleus of Intimacy. Key Concepts. Relational Culture. Central Dynamics of Relational Culture. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 5. The Social Context of Personal Relationships. Key Concepts. The Best and Worst of Times. Culture as a Context of Intimacy. Current Social Trends. Reconfiguring Personal Identity. Affirming Personal Agency. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. PART THREE: THE EVOLUTION OF PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. 6. Launching Personal Relationships. Key Concepts. A Developmental Perspective on Intimacy. Initial Interaction: The Genesis of Relationships. Explorational Communication: Reducing Uncertainty. Developmental Dialogue. Tendencies in Early Relationship Development. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 7. Committing to Personal Relationships. Key Concepts. Passionate Love and Commitment: Different Issues. Styles of Loving. Communication Processes During Committing. Building Relational Culture. Publicizing the Relationship. Intimate Commitment. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 8. Maintaining and Repairing Personal Relationships. Alternative Approaches to Relationship Continuity. Everyday Rhythms in Personal Relationships. Dynamic Equilibrium: Change as Constant. Strategies to Maintain and Repair Relationships. Gendered Standpoints on Personal Relationships. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 9. Transforming and Ending Personal Relationships. Processes of Relationship Deterioration. Symptoms and Sources of Decline in Personal Relationships. Ending and Redefining Personal Relationships. Chapter Summary. For Further Reflection and Discussion. Recommended Readings. 10. Summing Up: Communication, Choice, Commitment, and Change in Personal Relationships. Communication. Choice. Commitment. Change.