Assignment: Evaluating & Analyzing IPC Concepts
1-Jessie
An interesting IPC concept that I would like to discuss is the concept of mate preferences. In particular, the shift in preference toward a partner with whom a mutual love and attraction is shared. What I really would like to explore in this discussion is why. The most obvious answer to me is the advancement of technology and the ability for women to contribute more evenly to the household finances. With this advancement, there is an independence that was not an option before. This independence has allowed partners to seek fulfillment beyond immediate needs like shelter and stability. When one is not looking for a provider, the potential roles a partner can fulfill are expanded. I have found this particularly true in my own relationship. When I began dating my fiance I was only looking for companionship. I am very secure in my ability to provide for not only myself, but the eventuality of a household. In that I have not been pursuant of a relationship for the purpose of financial provision. What I looked for and have found in a partner is mutual love, respect, and emotional support.
2- Rachel
The one Interpersonal Concept that stood out to me in this chapter is the idea of Assortive Mating. This is the idea that most people tend to look for a partner that has similar characteristics to themselves such as age, intelligence, and culture.
This idea stood out to me because of personal experience. The idea of "opposites attract" I believe is true because people like to learn about things and topics they don't know about but unfortunately these relationships don't seem to last because you have nothing in common with the other person. While things such as race or culture or age might not be as much of a preference to some, others would like to have more in common than not because then you have more of an understanding of each other and can connect more. For me personally I like to have a healthy mix of things and common and things not in common. I like to learn about new things but I also want someone who has the same long term goals as me and a similar way of thinking so we can communicate effectively.
3-Caitlyn
• Briefly explain or define the IPC concept/idea that you've chosen to focus on. Why did this particular concept or idea stand out to you? (Everyone must respond to this first prompt.)
I found that conflicting avoiding where couples are characterized by low levels of emotional expression (human communication in action, 137) has stood out to me because I really enjoyed the somewhat understanding on attention towards agreement and disagreement in a relationship.
• If you found the concept interesting and you agree with its premise, please explain whyit resonated with you. Then, briefly discuss how you might apply this IPC concept to your relationships in the future or how you think it can help you in your relationships.
I really liked this concept just because I feel that not very many couples like who their partners are, I feel like a lot of us try changing the other person to who we wish they were instead of accepting that that's not them. I am not the one to say much because I do the same thing at times. I know that if I don't like the one thing about that person I try to change it so that they are more like who I want them to be. But for my relationship I am in now I feel that I have accepted who he is and am willing to get into the disagreements and agreements with him to learn more about each other. I think this concept will help me in my relationship now by minimizing conflict with each other.