CHAPTER 10 Communication in Close Relationships Section 1 Interplay COMMUNICATION IN FRIENDSHIPS Communication in Friendships A voluntary relationship that provides social support Friendships created, managed and maintained through communication Types of Friendships Short vs. long-term Task vs. maintenance-oriented Low vs. high disclosure Low vs. high obligation Infrequent vs. frequent contact Friendships, Gender, and Communication Same-sex friendships Usually first friends Communication differs for men and women Cross-sex friendships Offers many benefits For heterosexuals present challenges with potential for romance Friendships, Gender, and Communication Friends with benefits Includes sexual activity Men and women equally likely to be in FWB relationships FWB partners avoid discussing relational status Gender considerations Sex role Sexual orientation Friendship and Social Media Social networking used to maintain current friendships or revive old ones Only small percentage of online friends are close Also use phoning, texting, emailing, blogging to maintain friendships Communication in Successful Friendships Share joys and sorrows Honor pledges and commitments Share laughs and memories Treat each other with respect Provide a listening ear Have a balanced exchange Maintain confidences Value both connection and autonomy Lend a helping hand Apologize and forgive Stand up for each other Section 2 Interplay COMMUNICATION IN THE FAMILY Communication in the Family Family: system with two or more interdependent people who have a common history and a present reality and who expect to influence each other in the future Creating the Family Through Communication Family narratives Reinforce shared goals Teach moral values Stress family concerns Reflect how members relate to one another Reflect how to operate in the world Communication Rituals and Rules Family rituals center on celebrations or everyday life Families and stepfamilies have many rules governing communication among members and with outsiders Stepchildren avoid more topics with stepparents than parents Patterns of Family Communication Families as communication systems Family members are interdependent A family is more than the sum of its parts Families have systems within the larger system Conversation and Conformity in the Family Conversation orientation Degree to which families favor an open climate of discussion of a wide array of topics High: interact freely, frequently, and spontaneously Low: interact less; less exchange of private thoughts Conformity orientation Degree to which family communication stresses uniformity of attitudes, values, and beliefs High: seek harmony, interdependence, obedience Low: individuality, interdependence, equality Conversation and Conformity in the Family Consensual High conversation/High conformity Pluralistic High conversation/Low conformity Protective Low conversation/High conformity Laissez-faire Low conversation/Low conformity orientation Effective Communication in Families Manage the connection-autonomy dialectic Apparent when children grow into adolescents Most successful families are flexible After children are ‘launched,’ couples have to re-negotiate their ‘couple-ness’ Strive for Closeness While Respecting Boundaries Enmeshed: too much cohesion; too much consensus, too little independence Disengaged: too little cohesion; disconnected, limited attachment/ commitment Creating boundaries: Physical, Conversational, Emotions, Handling of topics Social networking provides challenges for privacy management Use, but Don’t Abuse, Technology and Social Media Changing technologies affect family communication Social networking sites provide new challenges for family privacy management As teens transition into adulthood, they become less concerned about social media Encourage Confirming Messages Confirming behaviors Telling children they are unique and valuable as human beings Genuinely listening to children when told something of importance Disconfirming behaviors Belittling children Making statements that communicate their ideas don’t count Section 3 Interplay COMMUNICATION IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS Characteristics of Romantic Relationships Triangular theory of love (Sternberg) Intimacy: closeness and connectedness Passion: physical attraction and emotional arousal Commitment: decision to maintain relationship Commitment Relational commitment involves a promise to remain in a relationship and make that relationship successful Formed and reinforced through communication Behaviors are important, but without language, commitment may not be clear Affection Beneficial for partners Can have discrepancies between feelings and expressions of affection Sexual activity important means of expressing and receiving affection Most satisfying when accompanied by direct verbal communication Effective Communication in Romantic Relationships Learning love languages Words of affirmation Quality time Gifts Acts of service Physical touch Which category is most important to you? Managing Digital Communication Social media impacts relationship Can be a distraction but… Communication via mediated channels help maintain relationships Couples’ use of social networking reflects and affects how they feel about each other

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.