Letter of Advice for Newly Engaged Couple
A Student
COM 200
Instructor Maui Maui
October 15, 2011
Letter of Advice for Newly Engaged Couple
October 15, 2011
Dear Frank and Lilly,
I am writing this letter with the intention to impart the information that I have learned from interpersonal communications in order to help you gain the same insights and skills that are necessary in order to achieve healthy communication skills with each other. There was a time when I thought that I had good communication skills and it was through practicing interpersonal communication skills that I learned that a healthy and long lasting relationship takes work because communicating is not just talking, it is non verbal as well. In this letter I will talk about the following five learning outcomes; self-concept and how it is developed and maintained, listening strategies, recognizing the power of words, understanding non verbal expression and emotional intelligence.
Self-Concept
I think that we should talk about self-concept first. I want to explain what it is and how it affects us and our relationships. If we were to define self-concept one could say, “Self-Concept can be defined as an appraisal of your own attributes and competencies” (Sole, pg.3.1). Self concept is a culmination of how we see ourselves, how we perceive that others see us, what people say about us and what humankind believes we should be. Self concept is often constructed and preserved by how we see ourselves physically, which can cause trouble with interpersonal communication in your relationship. If you see yourself in a negative light for long enough, then that is what you will project on the outside as well. This also works in reverse; if you see yourself as positive then that is what will show to others. Too many people place too much importance on our outer appearance when it comes to their happiness. If you are placing that kind of importance upon your appearance and you are not happy...