1.

Introduction

The word “relationship” is one of many words that people use, but have a hard time
defining. The dictionary defines it as, “a state of affairs existing between those having
relations or dealings.” Physical and economic relationships do not tell much that is useful
about interpersonal communication. Interpersonal relationships will help us in doing so.
An interpersonal relationship is “an association in which the parties meet each other’s
social needs to some degree” (Adler G-6). There are four types of relationships: couple,
family, a relationship in the work environment, and friendship. Everyone has
relationships with many people in their lives and all of these relationships are different.
Whether it is with significant others, family, acquaintances, or friends, it is important to
know how to have a healthy relationship. For that reason, we will focus on an
important interpersonal communication issue that must be dealt with in order to create
and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. .

2. Definition of interpersonal relationship

What is an Interpersonal relationship?

It is commonly mistaken to be the relationship that a husband and a wife share, a son and a
mother share, a father and a daughter share or that is shared between siblings.
However,  interpersonal relationships are far more than these few relationships. It is a
relationship between any 2 or more people; you don't need to be from the same family always.
This relationship is based on the feelings like love, trust, camaraderie, friendship, attraction or
any other type of a commitment. This relationship can take place at work between colleagues or
between the boss and his team, or a supervisor and his team members, or between any set of
people working together. It can also be developed at clubs, church, and marriages when there is
an interaction between people. In short, the society is full of interpersonal relationships.

Family ties - These are relationship that are with us since we are born like our mother, father,
brother and sister or the ones that we get into over the period of time like marriage, live in
relationships, girlfriend, boyfriend etc. These relationships are recognized and formalized by the
law.

Other relationships -These are relationships that we make over the period of time in our lives like
friends, acquaintances at work, pen pals or people whom we meet at like minded clubs, churches
etc.

Strong Interpersonal Relationships

Strong interpersonal relationships exist between people who fill many of each other's emotional
and physical needs. For example, a mother may have strong interpersonal relationships with her
children, because she provides her child's shelter, food, love and acceptance. The extent of needs
that a mother fills is greater than the extent of needs that are filled between, for example, you and
the cashier at the grocery store.
Weak Interpersonal Relationships
Mild interpersonal relationships exist when people fill modest needs. For example, if the extent
of your relationship with the clerk at the grocery store is that he scans your items and you give
him money, that is a weak interpersonal relationship. You need to go through him to get your
items at the store, and he needs to collect money from you.