Newly engaged couple hears that you are taking a course in Research Paper

Newly engaged couple hears that you are taking a course in interpersonal communication, and wants advice for their relationship - Research Paper Example (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). 1. The principles and misconceptions in effective interpersonal communications The level of communication in any particular situation determines what kind of social behavior will take place between the concerned individuals. (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). For example, with a couple like yours who are newly engaged and experiencing problems with interpersonal communication have to concentrate extremely hard on improving the communication between the two of you if the said relationship is to be sustained and nurtured over time. In couple’s relationships, communication sort of becomes the glue that holds the two people together. The more open and honest the communication level is between the two of you, the closer you will be and the less open and more strained the communication level is between the two of you the farther apart you will be and the more chances there will be of this relationship falling apart. Research on the matter has determined that commu nication does mediate behavior, but it is still hazy on how exactly it accomplishes this. (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). This could be because the topics under question are very intangible and cannot be quantified and tested easily and also because they vary with situation. Since every situation is case specific, we cannot generalize completely how exactly communication will affect interpersonal relations. For example, imagine a scenario where you guys have a fight. Both of you are angry, but your reactions as a result of this anger may be completely different. Sara, you may prefer to fume quietly and be more passive aggressive and Tim, you might be more vocal in your anger. Another couple in the midst of an angry fight might have completely different reactions. When communicating with one another you also have to be careful to catch, identify and correctly respond to any signs and symbols used during the communication by your partner. Knowledge and understanding of signs comes from kno wledge of the world. (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). For example, tears are a sign of sadness and smiling is a sign of happiness. However these are simplistic examples and in reality in your relationship you two will be faced with more complex signs to interpret. You both will have to watch out for facial expressions, body language and posture etc of the other as signs of what they are feeling. These signs may be specific to each one of you, but being around each other will provide you knowledge about them and help you interpret them better. Symbolic behavior includes the use of language; for example, Sara, if Tim says ‘I am upset’ it is a symbol of how he is feeling and this symbol helps him express his inner feelings to you. (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). One more thing to note is that the production of signs is inherent, while the production of symbols is learned. (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). Further, the two of you must realize that not only the spoken word counts as communica tion. All behavior counts as communication because even the smallest facial expressions and mood swings have the tendency to emotionally affect the other person. (Krauss and Fussell, n.d). Both of you should be aware of your own and each other’s behavior and how it affects you emotionally. Often talking about these indications will clear matters out and avoid them from