Stages of a Relationship

Page 159

Although every relationship is unique, several scholars argue that relationships go through somewhat predictable stages (Knapp & Vangelisti, 2000). Communication differs during each stage as relational partners select messages that are individualized for the stage they perceive themselves to be in (Avtgis, West, & Anderson, 1998). Not every relationship will experience every stage—our assessments of costs and rewards will determine how the relationship will change, deepen, or possibly end. A number of interpersonal researchers have outlined relational stages and they all have in common the stages we develop in this section (see Figure 7.2).