Communicationg about relationships

In chapter 8, communication and relational dynamics, the text discussed about the way we communicate about relationships. In relational messages, there are two main components. One is the relational message which is when we communicate a message with one or more social needs. We do this because we want control, affection, and respect. There are four categories of relational messages. Affinity is when we communicate messages with the degree for which we show that we like and appreciate each other. I see this a lot when people first meet someone who their attracted to and the communicate messages that involve their appreciation towards them. Immediacy refers to when we show interest and attention towards others. Respect is another form of communicating about relationships. This happens when we hold people esteem. These messages are when we communicate messages that convey respect. This is very important when forming relationships because when you respect them when communicate their likely to respect you back. Personally I think that respect is good to express when communicating. Control is another reason why we communicate about relationships. This is when both parties use communicate controlling messages to influence the other person. I see this a lot in toxic relationships.