Introduction
Interpersonal communication refers to the skill of exchange of information between two or more people. It has several aspects and this paper focuses on ‘Intimacy and Distance Relational in Communication’ with reference to the book ‘Look Out, Look In’ (2014). Intimacy can be described as the feeling by people to having a close personal connection and a perception of being the same and one thing.
In the book ‘Look Out, Look In’ the focus in on how intimacy applies in relationships, self disclosures a characteristic of interpersonal communication in intimacy and alternatives to self disclosure. The ideas in this chapter are reflections of the kind of intimate relationships that are existent tin our lives. I therefore think that these arguments in this book are not only logic but also give us a clue of how we behave and what our partners in intimate relationships expect of us. These relationships are built on several foundations that include physical, emotional, intellectual and shared activities.
Intimacy is a relationship that involves personal feelings. Research has however shown that in these relationships, men tend to be less willing to share their feelings with their partners. Women are more open and can share a lot of their personal feelings with their partners. Similarly, it is evident that cultural background plays a great role in how the intimate relationships take shape. Individualistic cultures treat all relationships equally with less regard to distinctions between personal and casual relationships. Collective cultures have well defined distinctions between relationships and are the distinctions rare highly regarded within the society.
These relationships seem to manifest themselves strongly and more quickly when mediated channels are involved to create them. On the other hand, the levels of disclosing information to partners in these relationships are quite varying. While some partners prefer to disclose as much information as possible to their partners, others will not be as willing to disclose much of their information. Those who decide not to disclose much of their information have other alternatives to disclosure. They can decide to remain quiet, lie to their partners, providing only hints rather than descriptive talks or even provide equivocal statements about something.
These alternatives are the sole reason as to why individuals will feel the need not to change a false statement even when it is quite clear that the statement is false. This is because such acceptance could embarrass the individual or wash away the benefits underlying the lie.
This chapter has not really changed my perception for interpersonal communication especially in intimate relationships. I still consider that the normality surrounding communication between partners in such relationships are important including the need to consider revealing or hiding some information from your partner. It is a way of helping one avoid the excesses associated with individual character and it ensures that your most embarrassing weakness are not known to everyone. Considering that no relationships are assured of eternity, it is important to know what information will not harm you even when disclosed to public at the end of a relationship.
Thus, the interpersonal communication skills in intimate relationships quite applicable and since the whole analysis in this chapter reflects upon my own character, I consider that I need no change in my attitude, value and skills in communicating with intimate partners. In fact, the whole paper has strengthened my character of handling communication in such relationships. Interpersonal relationships at any level require limits and these limits are defined by the mutual benefits one derives from them. Individuals will tend to choose the best alternatives during communication in and those that will harm them less and benefit them more.
