includes bibliographical references and index

Conceptualizing relational communications : definitions and principles -- Communicating identity : the social self -- Drawing people together : forces of social attraction -- Making sense of our world : managing uncertainty -- Getting closer : initiating and intensifying relationships -- Communicating closeness : affection, immediacy, and social support -- Making a love connection : styles of love and attachment -- Communicating sexually : the closest physical encounter -- Staying close : maintaining relationships -- Exchanging rewards and costs : interdependence and equity in relationships -- Influencing each other : dominance and power plays in relationships -- Getting too close for comfort : privacy and secrets in relationships -- Hurting the ones we love : relational transgressions -- Coping with conflict : when relational partners disagree -- Ending relationships : disengagement and termination