In light of this assignment, I have examined my past relationships and focused on the areas that need improvement. After researching a few important components of relationships, I realized that I have plenty of areas to enhance. Initially, I will discuss the most important element of a successful relationship: interpersonal communication. Following this topic, I will reveal my inefficient techniques I have in lieu of conflict management. Finally, I will share the deficiencies I posses in developing close relationships.

Communication is the key to a successful relationship. Building rapport and trust is crucial in creating a healthy and intimate relationship. Through the years, I have discovered that my methods of communicating my ideas, emotions and conflicts are not effective. In my most recent relationship, I realized that I neglect to communicate efficiently. I became upset over minor annoyances without revealing them to my partner. Instead of confronting him with my concerns, I retain my anger. This leads to irrational outbursts derived from my frustration. This avoidance style of communication is a major area that I need to improve on in order to develop an inti

In conclusion, the areas that I need to develop and improve in are my interpersonal communication skills, my conflict management skills and the ability to develop close relationships. To obtain these goals, I need to consistently follow the guidelines for each area. I will become a more positive person and manage situations at a mature level. It is essential to have “rapport and effective communication for getting individual needs met, for developing significant interpersonal relationships, and for functioning well in society” (Katz, Lawyer, 1994, p.4). The skills that I need to improve on are extremely important for everyday life.

The silent treatment is my trademark. When situations occur that hurts my feelings, I give the dreadful silent treatment. This began as a child. When my father would do something to upset me or yelled at me for something that I did, I would not talk to him for days. The silent treatment does not solve conflicts. It drags out the fight without closure.

These tactics will take a few months of practice; but will make my life less stressful. Explaining my feelings will render happiness in my life by enhancing my ability to handle circumstances in a positive manner. My goals will be apparent when I am capable of abiding by the basic steps of positive conflict management. To perform these steps, I have to supersede my impulse to give the silent treatment. Interpersonally, confronting my problems will provide a lighter atmosphere for my partner and myself. Instead of holding a grudge and blowing up at him, we can talk about problems as they arise. Interpersonally, I will have the confidence to handle arguments. Dealing with my conflicts will in turn leave me with a clear conscience because I will not have built up anger.

To enhance my communication skills, I need to change the approach I use in communicating my feelings about my partners actions. In doing this, I have to develop a comfortable way to confront my partner with conflicts that I am experiencing. This avoidance style of communication prevents the necessary time for intimacy to develop (Tardif, Oct 8, 2001). The longer I hold in my anger, the more I am pushing away my partner. I need to build a rapport with him so I can discuss any topic weather it is about our relationship, my feelings or events. This rapport needs to begin at the beginning of the relationship. I need to bring up my concerns as soon as they surface. To do this, I need to recognize my feelings and make my partner aware of my needs. Instead of accusing my partner of what he does or does not do, I need to be direct and clear about my needs. Instead of holding in my anger and feelings, I need to make it known so the problem can be solved. (Tardif, Oct 8, 2001).

While discussing my feelings with my partner, I need to point out the positive characteristics that he has. In addition, I need to tell him the thing he does that makes me feel good about myself. Positive reinforcement “increases intimacy” (Olsen, DeFrain, 2000, p.291). By telling him how good he is at a certain trait, he will build self-confidence (Olsen, DeFrain, 2000, p.291). We will both develo

Some topics in this essay:
Olsen DeFrain, Relationship Skills, Encarta Encyclopedia, Tardif Oct, Bater Pierson’s, Olsen DeFrain’s, Katz Lawyer, defrain 2000, olsen defrain, olsen defrain 2000, communication skills, conflict management, silent treatment, management skills, intimate relationship, tardif oct, successful relationship, partner instead, conflict management skills, defrain 2000 p291, avoidance style communication, tardif oct 8,