One set of concepts that I found to be most interesting from chapter 6 was the relational maintenance strategies, which are basically behaviors people use to keep their relationships at a desired level. Although, many use a variety of techniques to maintain their relationships, five strategies have been identified as being the most used: positivity, openness, assurance, networks, conflict management, and advice. After reviewing these strategies and reflecting on my own personal experiences with maintaining relationships I have to agree that I too use these techniques most often. With that said, the strategies that I employ are also often affected by the kind of relationship I am maintaining. For instance, I may employ particular strategies for a friend, a different set of strategies for best friend, a different set for a family member, and so on. Generally, however, these five strategies can be used to productively maintain any sort of relationship.
hi WobbledyWa,
ReplyDeleteIt is always an awesome experience to read something in our text and realize that we utilize these strategies even prior to the knowledge of them. I can relate to you because I often find myself thinking that only if I knew some of the ramifications to my actions.. the things I could have changed.. One of the most interesting points you brought up is that you use or emphasize a different strategy depending on what type of relationship you are trying to maintain. For example, my girlfriend is a family person so it is important that we network with each others families often. This is a strategy I do not use with my friends. A strategy more appropriate with lets say a best friend would be positivity or advice.
-JPP
I always think it’s nice to find a concept we can relate to whenever we are reading from the book. I agree with you that we each have a different strategy for a friend or family. For example, with a friend- I would say bad words in front of them without the fear of being yelled at. But with family- I am extremely careful what I say even though it may be a joke. It is not the same to talking with family than talking with friends. The five strategies that you mentioned in your post was very useful and it reminded me how I always use these in my every day communication. I think it’s interesting how we use these strategies in our everyday life without knowing!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post! I think our ability to maintain relationships at a desired level through certain strategies is really fascinating. It sort of hands us this level of power that we ascertain through the various strategies we employ depending on the individual. Like you noted, different strategies work for different styles of relationships although almost every strategy can be incorporated into any of our relationships. It simply depends on how you use them and to what degree. For example, with close friends I am more willing to relay personal information as well as offer advice. However, with family members I am less likely to say whatever I want because there is a code of respect to uphold towards my parents and I want to maintain a completely positive relationship. (That doesn't mean I won't tell my parents things, it's more of the way I say it or what I say.) I think the idea of relational status and maintenance is fascinating. Good job!
ReplyDeleteHey WobbledyWa,
ReplyDeleteI found the relational maintenance strategies a very interesting concept as well. The five strategies that were discussed, positivity, openness, assurance, networks, conflict management, and advice, are all extremely important to maintain and form any relationship, regardless of if it is a friendship or romantic relationship. I like that you mentioned certain strategies should be concentrated on more specifically in certain relationships such as a friendship, family relationship, or romantic relationship. It also depends on the personalities of the people in the relationship and what is the most important strategies to them. I loved and completely agreed with everything you wrote about!