Theory of depth and breadth of self-disclosure

I particularly found this theory interesting because it discussed many of the communication patterns that happens within different kinds of relationships. It was interesting to see how people in different relationships use different levels of communications to exchange information. Obviously, in the beginning of a relationship it is very impersonal, and not much important information is exchanged. However, once the relationships builds, the level of communication increases, making the relationship more personal because of the exchange of personal information. I like how you can apply this theory to different kinds of relationships, whether they are friendship or romantic. I think I understood it more when it was applied to a friendship relationship, because I know I have personally been in friendships where communication was lost because one of us stopped sharing certain things with each other, stopped inviting each other to certain places, or whatever.

I know that when people start to develop a relationship, it is both exciting and difficult because you want to be able to have open communication with this other person, however, it is difficult because you do not want to share too much too soon. What was interesting to find out, was how natural the development of the relationship is. Eventually both people will reach a certain openness without much effort from either person in the relationship. The only problem, is that eventually the relationship will lose its steam and communication becomes a little harder.