Exploratory Stage
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Technology and You
How might you use technology like cell phones, e-mail, or social-networking sites in the exploratory stage of a new relationship?
In the exploratory stage, you are seeking relatively superficial information from your partner. You make small talk, asking things like “Do you watch The Walking Dead?” or “How many brothers and sisters do you have?” You’re not likely to reveal anything too deep or personal; you’re still testing the waters, so to speak. There are also a number of monitoring strategies at work to reduce uncertainty in this stage. In addition to the small-talk questioning we mentioned, you’re likely to observe your partner closely in order to learn more about his or her attitudes and behaviors. As in the initiating stage, you’ll want to invest further in the relationship if the rewards seem high.