Takes a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication by focusing on issues that are central to describing and understanding close relationships.

Although the primary focus is on communication research, this book emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships by including research from various disciplines such as social psychology and family studies. Organized using a developmental approach, the authors first look at initial interaction and relational escalation, then move on to issues related to maintaining intimate relationships, and finally focus on challenges relational partners face, including relationship endings.