In general, the chapter discusses multiple topics related to complex relationships among people of both sexes and of various backgrounds. It dwells upon the characters a relationship between two or more individuals can take and the barriers people can meet when transferring from one relationship stage to another (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). The discussion opens up with the distinction between friendship-based and passion-based intimacy. In the first case, the relationship is formed by the warm feelings people experience for each other, while in the second case, the interaction is based on sexual attraction.
The chapter continues with a debate over friendship. The authors state that it is a category of relationship, which can be established when people share a common history. Importantly, friendship can occur between people of both similar and opposite sexes. According to Beebe et al. (2011), a friendship can have different stages, and it encompasses the entire life span from childhood relationship to the life-long partnership. To form a friendship, two people need to have similar views and attitudes, have equal expectations of each other, and mutually share personal information.
The authors conclude the chapter with a discussion of the closest type of relationship, which is a romantic one. Notably, this interaction can either evolve into a marriage or remain at the partnership stage. Nevertheless, despite the formal character, it requires similar stages to proceed (Beebe et al., 2011). In particular, a romantic partnership should be initiated; then, it should escalate and be maintained by two people in a similar manner. In cases when one person is passive and disinterested, the relationship is likely to end or freeze on one of the developmental stages. Therefore, the engagement of both people is important in any kind of interaction.
Reference
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.