Interpersonal Communication in Social Interactions and Interpersonal Relationships

This essay will discuss the dynamic of interpersonal communication in social interactions and interpersonal relationships and also the characteristics of interpersonal relationships. Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings and meaning through verbal and non-verbal messages, it’s a face-to face communication .Interpersonal relationship is a strong or close association or acquaintance between two or more people that may range in duration from belief enduring.

The association may be based on inference, love, regular business interactions or other types of social commitment.

Interpersonal relationships is one of the most complex and dynamic structures, we learn how to build it from early stages. When we start thinking about who we are, we can determine the essence of our existence mainly with the help of interpersonal relations. When engaged in interpersonal relations we get a chance to manifest ourselves as personalities and understand who we are. (Pedr, 2019)

Interpersonal Communication and Assertiveness

Assertiveness is the ability to express ones feelings and assert ones rights while respecting the feelings and rights of others.

There are three types of assertiveness styles that is used to express oneself and that would be the passive and non-assertive style, the aggressive style and the assertive style. The passive or non-assertive style is people who behave passively suppress their feelings to avoid conflict or rejection, or are afraid to let others know how they are feeling, even when they are being treated unfairly. The purpose of interpersonal communication includes share meaning, meet social goals, manage personal identity, and conduct relationships.

(Pedr, 2019)

The aggressive style is people who behave aggressively which intends on lashing out when they are feeling discomfort with little concern for the situation or the feelings of those concerned. They normally insist on standing up for their own rights while ignoring or violating the rights of others. The assertive style is the goal of assertive behaviour is neither to avoid conflict nor to dominate a relationship, but to communicate feelings and opinions honestly and clearly without hurting oneself or others. (Ledbetter, 2017)

It can be seen that Fred uses the aggressive style of assertiveness as he makes rude remarks towards the chefs food without giving the chef time to respond or to depend himself, Fred was showing indirect aggressive behaviour in this interpersonal situation which then lead to people not liking him and also having a negative relationship with them. Fred could improve his style of communicating by improving his social, communication and interpersonal skills. Fred could have also been more accepting of the type of food that John makes and if he disliked it he could have told John to create something new or come up with a recipe.

Different Types of Characterises that Define Interpersonal Relationships

Interpersonal relationship refers to the connection you have with another person. In the workplace, your relationship can include those you have with members of the management team, with peers and people you supervise as well as with customers and clients. Interpersonal relationships have many characteristics, such as caring for others, being compassionate, accepting others, honesty, flexibility and having patience. Interpersonal relationships are important because they serve a critical role in either your work success and career progress or where it may be at university with your classmates or/and lecturers. Each one of those is important and necessary for the overall health of the staff and the organisation as the organisation grows. Learning new skills in the art of developing and nurturing interpersonal relationships are essential tools not only for increased productivity at work but for increased productivity in life. These skills will help each and every one to communicate better and in more effective manner at work and at home. (Doyle, 2005)

In the case study it can be seen that Violet Smith is an example of interpersonal relationships as he is caring towards his fellow workers and had patience towards Fred as he gave Fred time to see whether he will change or will still be the same in which he never changed and resulted hi in getting fired because of his lack of interpersonal relationship with the other workers at the restaurant. The owner also is also accepting towards Fred as he is the new supervisor but ends up firing him because of his lack of interpersonal relationship.it can also be seen that Fred is not accepting the type of food that chef John makes as he makes rude remarks of his food and throws his food into the bin which then also comes off as highly disrespectful.

Interpersonal skills that are valued in the workplace is active listening, communications, dependability and flexibility. Active speakers engage with the speaker to make a connection and gather information. Communications, there are two aspects first to speak to everyone and second having a strong communication skills also meaning that you can express yourself actively to others. Dependability people you work with including employees and customers or clients need know that they can count on you, which would be getting to work on time, following through on tasks and meeting deadlines. Flexibility things don’t always go as planned so one needs to look at a situation or situations in different ways and to come up with alternative courses of action (Bajracharya, 2018)

Examples of Interpersonal Relationships

There are various types of interpersonal relationships which are friendship, love, platonic relationship, family relationship and professional relationship. The three types of interpersonal relationships that I have are family relationship, professional or work relationship and friendship. Friendship is an unconditional interpersonal relationship where individuals enter into by their own will and choice there are no formalities and individuals enjoy each other’s presence. Family relationship individuals related by blood or marriage are said to form a family. Professional relationship or work relationship where individuals work together for the same organization are said to share a professional relationship. (Juneja, 2015)

Love is an interpersonal relationship characterized by passion, intimacy, trust and respect individuals in a romantic relationship are deeply attached to each other and share a special bond. Platonic relationship is a relationship between two individuals without any feelings or sexual desire for each other individuals are just friends and does not mix love with friendship.