Knapp's Relational Model

Every relationship is different. While Knapp says relationships usually follow a set order of stages, in real life, some stages might be skipped or happen out of order. Moving closer or drifting apart in a relationship isn't always good or bad, it's just part of how relationships change. Many of us have had relationships that blossomed and relationships that didn't wind up working out all for different reasons.

Instead of talking about my long-lasting relationships I thought I would share a relationship that didn't work out for me about 3 years ago. I chose this relationship because it included the coming together and pulling away. In the beginning it was like many relationships the getting to know each other and fully committing to each other. We shared the bonding stage where we fully committed to each other and even got engaged. I felt something was missing after we got engaged and did not feel like this was the right person for me. I felt disconnected from this person and realized we did not have any of the same interests. When we hung out with friends it was never all together and I started to favor my time with the other people in my life. I tried to avoid this person and make plans with my family or friends without even asking if we could share time together first. There were constant disagreements over thing that were just not worth worrying about and this is when I knew we were at the terminating stage. After 7 years it did end but for good reasons and I think we are both happier now. After reading Knapp's Relationship model I do see a lot of truth to it. Not all relationships are the same, but this can be a great guide in many people's lives with all types of relationships.