Miscommunication between Loved Ones: Interpersonal Communication
The Miscommunication between Loved Ones
Rachel Ricard
COM200: Interpersonal Communication (AFE1138A)
Professor Macy Dailey
September 25, 2011
Communication is defined, Defined by Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the function of pheromones in insect communication>; also : exchange of information. Communication, such a powerful tool that many people don’t take the time to understand nor realize how it affects our everyday lives. We get so wrapped up in an idea of how our relationships should go rather than understanding how they are actually going. Epley states it best: "Our problem in communicating with friends and spouses is that we have an illusion of insight. Getting close to someone appears to create the illusion of understanding more than actual understanding." (Anonymous, 2011) When I noticed how far off my relationship with my ex-husband had become, I realized that the situation I had believed was so good was actually horrible and twisted. This was due to a lack of communication as well as miscommunication.
My ex-husband and I had been friends throughout high school sharing everything together. When we developed an emotional relationship which went beyond a friendship, it seemed the most logical choice to become permanently involved especially since it seemed as if we had a lot in common. At the time I didn’t realize that I wasn’t holding up my end of the relationship by communicating with him my feelings on things. Because of the experiences I had as a child watching my own parents communicate with each other, it always seemed to work best within conflict if I stayed quiet. I thought my ex understood how I felt about arguing as we had discussed how much we both hated it and that it didn’t pose as a solution. However, while I may have felt that arguing was not a solution, it came to a point where he
Rachel Ricard
COM200: Interpersonal Communication (AFE1138A)
Professor Macy Dailey
September 25, 2011
Communication is defined, Defined by Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the function of pheromones in insect communication>; also : exchange of information. Communication, such a powerful tool that many people don’t take the time to understand nor realize how it affects our everyday lives. We get so wrapped up in an idea of how our relationships should go rather than understanding how they are actually going. Epley states it best: "Our problem in communicating with friends and spouses is that we have an illusion of insight. Getting close to someone appears to create the illusion of understanding more than actual understanding." (Anonymous, 2011) When I noticed how far off my relationship with my ex-husband had become, I realized that the situation I had believed was so good was actually horrible and twisted. This was due to a lack of communication as well as miscommunication.
My ex-husband and I had been friends throughout high school sharing everything together. When we developed an emotional relationship which went beyond a friendship, it seemed the most logical choice to become permanently involved especially since it seemed as if we had a lot in common. At the time I didn’t realize that I wasn’t holding up my end of the relationship by communicating with him my feelings on things. Because of the experiences I had as a child watching my own parents communicate with each other, it always seemed to work best within conflict if I stayed quiet. I thought my ex understood how I felt about arguing as we had discussed how much we both hated it and that it didn’t pose as a solution. However, while I may have felt that arguing was not a solution, it came to a point where he
References: Anonymous. Close relationships sometimes mask poor communication. (2011, January). U.S. News & World Report, 1. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global. Document ID: 2270370591 Communiction. 2011. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved September 25/2011 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/communication Sole, K. (2011).Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (https://content.ashford.edu)