Self-Disclosure, Gender, and Communication - Research Paper Example

1. Can you relate to this article on self-disclosure in relationships? If so, explain what specifically you could relate to and provide examples of your own experiences. If not, what has your experience been regarding self-disclosure in your intimate relationships? I cannot relate to the marriage aspect of the article but I can relate to the importance of communication in forming intimate relationships. Between friends, or romantic relationships such as boyfriend/girlfriend, it is really important that both parties should be honest with each other and that each could emotionally connect and relate to the other for the relationship to last and remain strong.2. Do you agree that self-disclosure is important and directly related to satisfaction in relationships?

Why or why not? Yes, but not too soon. I am answering this from a perspective of a single person. Self-disclosure is a liberating and in deepens a relationship but it should be done with timing and caution. Revealing too much too soon may scare the other party. Self-disclosure is appropriate when a certain degree of intimacy and length of being together has already been established.3. What about gender differences? Remember, although research has found differences in gender communication, it has also found similarities.

What kind of similarities between genders have you experienced? I agree that each gender has different communication style. This was best illustrated in John Gray’s book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus that tells that men communicate in exact quantifiable terms while women communicate in descriptive terms (1993). Still, this does not mean that they do not have a convergent point in communication. Both have a need to relate to each other emotionally, to be understood and to be appreciated.4. Lastly, remember that although research is based on generalizations, not everyone fits into these generalizations regarding gender.

Do you feel like you fit into the generalizations?I felt that I do not fit into Terri Orbuch’s generalization because her study was based on married couples of which I am not. I would not know how to relate to the conclusion that couples of more than 50 years only communicate no more than three minutes in an hour long dinner (Orbuch, 2011). I agree however on her point of view that real communication involves really knowing and relating to the other person and not just a conversation about certain tasks.

ReferencesGray, John (1993). Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want in Your Relationships. Harper-CollinsOrbuch, Terri (2011). Can we talk? Chicago Tribute. Retrieved from [http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-14/features/sc-fam-0111-talk-relationship-20110111_1_happy-marriages-couples-marital-therapy]