Interpersonal communication skills influence the structure of relationships in how people communicate, after all communication is the key to all relationships. Self-disclosure, which is "personal information, shared intentionally, that another person would have trouble finding out without being told" (West & Turner, 2009) is used to initiate, maintain, and escalate a relationship.
When I want to get to know someone, I will strike up a conversation with them and try to get a feel of them as a person. I will discuss topics such as my kids and their sporting activities and see if the interests are reciprocated. To maintain a relationship, self-disclosures are beneficial. I converse with my girlfriends about issues we are having with our children, with our significant others, and life struggles, or our dreams and aspirations. When escalating a relationship, "self-disclosing provides a way to get to know someone and to allow that person to know you" (West & Turner, 2009). My boyfriend and I have conversations daily about personal details about our days apart.
West, R. & Turner, L.H. (2009). Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times. (2nd Eds.). Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Write a paper that describe how interpersonal communication skills influence the structure of relationships. Include examples of personal and/or observed experiences to illustrate your points.