Journal Reflection Chapter 1 - The Importance of Interpersonal Communication

A communications class may seem pointless to many. A majority of the time the only reason why students take a communications class is that it is required of them to graduate. Most people make the claim that interpersonal communication is self-explanatory, innate, and does not require a college-level course in order to do so effectively. However, interpersonal communication is not as simple as exchanging words with one another. The communication process can be broken down into meaningful concepts that are useful once understood. Interpersonal communication is a valuable skill essential for maintaining healthy relationships and achieving overall life happiness (McCornack & Morrison, 2019, p.8).

For example, I will be purposefully annoying around my mother because it is funny and that is how our relationship dynamic is. Although, when she is dealing with something I am unaware of and I go too far she snaps at me and I don't understand why which can be upsetting for both parties. Later, she will then explain that she is stressed about something as if I could have read her mind. I tell her that if she would have just told me from the beginning I would have never bothered her in the first place and then none of this would have happened. It is important to communicate with those close to you so that they can be understanding and supportive. If I knew she was having a hard day I would have done something nice and left her alone if that is what she wanted.

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Journal Reflection Chapter 10 - Managing Conflict and Power

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