Question

How would you describe the development of a relationship you now have or have had in the past? How effectively does the six-stage model capture this relationship? Be sure to provide examples to help clarify your points.

Answer 1

When I was a high school student, I had a friend. We met each other the very first day of the academic year. Then, gradually we talked a lot and planned to do study together. It was a good time and later we bacame best friends. During the middle of the academic year we decided to do a project on environmental issues. Unfortunately, she got some physical issues. Therefore, I researched the topic and gave the final copy to her for a check but, she took my ideas and datas completely from the project. She submitted in her own name. She was a back stabber and I recognized later. I asked for clarification but, she failed to gave a genuine answer. Therefore, I realized that relationship was not good for me and ended.

There are 6 stages of relationship. That are given below;

1,Contact

It consist of first meeting. Then engaging in a phatic communication. We are able to distinct that person from others. In my case, we met the very first day of the academic year and we spend time together.

2,Involvement

Parties will spend time together and plan for activities. Then exploration of common ground too. In the above example, my friend and me spent time together and planned to study together.

3, Intimacy

Here the pair become a unit. Partner is willing to sacrifice for relationship. There is high trust and commitment. In my case, we shared lot of things and when she was sick I tried to help her for doing assignments and studies.

4, Deterioration

This stage consist of bonds begin to weaken. There is less communication, trust and commitment. When I knew my friend stole my project, then it hurted me a lot. Therefore I lost trust in her.

5, Repair

Analyse what went wrong and if you want to repair that relationship you can talk to that person. In my case I asked clarification for why she took my project.

6, Dissolution

No longer a unit and bonds are broken. I asked my friend for a clarification and she failed to give that. Eventually I understood that she was a back stabber. So we end the relationship.