Interpersonal Relationships – Concept of Familiarity, Similarity and Reciprocity in Relation to Attraction
by Since time immemorial, interpersonal relationships have been an integral part in our lives and have puzzled many due to its perceived complexities. It is a wonderful experience being in love and establishing a close mutual relationship that is fulfilling to both parties.
Concept of Interdependence, Attachment and Belonging in Relation to Intimacy.
Intimacy is a concept that has various meanings to different people. It plays an important role in identity formation by giving people the chance to feel understood, accepted and belonging in a relationship. This is applicable to people who are of different cultural background. Sternberg (1997) defines intimacy as the crux of any relationship. “Intimacy refers to the feelings of closeness, connectedness and bondness in loving relationships” (Sternberg, 1997, p. 315). Therefore, creating a solid intimacy in a love relationship maintains and enhances relationships.
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Intimacy requires some interdependence because people who are in a relationship usually influence other through sharing of thoughts, feelings and doing some activities together. Because of interdependence, anything that affects one partner in an intimate relationship will have a direct impact on the other person. Interdependence increases intimacy in a relationship. Loving someone because you want and not because you need it is empowering and fulfilling to both partners. Maintaining a satisfying intimate relationship requires a lifelong commitment. Intimacy makes people be able to talk openly about their feelings and challenges without getting a judgmental hearing.
Men who are so much attached to their mothers tend to show dependence and fascination towards mature women. By having a close attachment to someone, one is able to engage in conversations which are a basis for intimacy. Women in most cases get attached to people through the discussions they have with them. Women tend to express empathy in relationships much as compared to men. They are therefore much more likely to have a sense of understanding to the feelings of other people. Intimacy gestures such as affectionate touching is more satisfying to women than men. This is because men view attachment as an activity than a state of being, as in the case of women.
A sense of belonging is important in an intimate relationship. One is able to turn to other people for support and nurturing. There is positive feeling of belonging and satisfaction in an intimate relationship because each partner feels appreciated in the relationship since their long term objectives and welfare are met.
Intimacy is therefore significant because of its psychological and physiological benefits. People who are not involved in intimate relationships are more prone to stress and are likely to get ill. Whereas it is harmful to lack intimacy, being in intimate relationships is quite beneficial because it fosters productivity, creativity and emotional integration. It is linked to contentment, happiness and a sense of well-being.
References
Sternberg, R. J. (1997). A Triarchic View of Giftedness: Theory and Practice. N. Coleangelo & G. A.
Davis (Eds.), Handbook of Gifted Education (pp.315). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
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