Interpersonal relationship

==Stages==
Interpersonal relationships are [[relational dialectics|dynamic systems]] that change continuously during their existence. Like living organisms, relationships have a beginning, a lifespan, and an end. They tend to grow and improve gradually, as people get to know each other and become closer emotionally, or they gradually deteriorate as people drift apart, move on with their lives and form new relationships with others. One of the most influential models of relationship development was proposed by psychologist [[George Levinger]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Close relationships|vauthors=Levinger G|publisher=W.H. Freeman and Company|year=1983|veditors=Kelly HH|location=New York|pages=315–359|chapter=Development and change}}</ref> This model was formulated to describe heterosexual, adult romantic relationships, but it has been applied to other kinds of interpersonal relations as well. According to the model, the natural development of a relationship follows five stages:

#'' Acquaintance and acquaintanceship'' – Becoming acquainted depends on previous relationships, physical [[Propinquity|proximity]], [[First impression (psychology)|first impression]]s, and a variety of other factors. If two people begin to like each other, continued interactions may lead to the next stage, but acquaintance can continue indefinitely. Another example is the association.
#'' Buildup'' – During this stage, people begin to [[Trust (social sciences)|trust]] and care about each other. The need for intimacy, compatibility and such filtering agents as common background and goals will influence whether or not interaction continues.
#'' Continuation'' – This stage follows a mutual [[personal commitment|commitment]] to quite a strong and close long-term friendship, romantic relationship, or even marriage. It is generally a long, relatively stable period. Nevertheless, continued growth and development will occur during this time. Mutual trust is important for sustaining the relationship.
#'' Deterioration'' – Not all relationships deteriorate, but those that do tend to show signs of trouble. Boredom, resentment, and dissatisfaction may occur, and individuals may communicate less and avoid [[self-disclosure]]. Loss of trust and betrayals may take place as the downward spiral continues, eventually ending the relationship. (Alternately, the participants may find some way to resolve the problems and reestablish trust and belief in others.)
#'' Ending'' – The final stage marks the end of the relationship, either by breakups, death or by spatial separation for quite some time and severing all existing ties of either friendship or [[romantic love]].

=== Terminating a relationship ===
According to the latest ''Systematic Review of the Economic Literature on the Factors associated with Life Satisfaction'' (dating from 2007), stable and secure relationships are beneficial, and correspondingly, relationship dissolution is harmful.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dolan |first1=Paul |last2=Peasgood |first2=Tessa |last3=White |first3=Mathew |title=Do we really know what makes us happy? A review of the economic literature on the factors associated with subjective well-being |journal=Journal of Economic Psychology |date=February 2008 |volume=29 |issue=1 |pages=94–122 |doi=10.1016/j.joep.2007.09.001 }}</ref>

The [[American Psychological Association]] has summarized the evidence on [[breakup]]s. Breaking up can actually be a positive experience when the relationship did not expand the self and when the breakup leads to personal growth. They also recommend some ways to cope with the experience:

* Purposefully focusing on the positive aspects of the breakup ("factors leading up to the break-up, the actual break-up, and the time right after the break-up")
* Minimizing the [[negative emotion]]s
* Journaling the positive aspects of the breakup (e.g. "comfort, confidence, empowerment, energy, happiness, optimism, relief, satisfaction, thankfulness, and wisdom"). This exercise works best, although not exclusively, when the breakup is mutual.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apa.org/research/action/romantic-relationships.aspx|title=Breakups isn't all bad: Coping strategies to promote positive outcomes|website=apa.org}}</ref>

Less time between a breakup and a subsequent relationship predicts higher self-esteem, attachment security, emotional stability, respect for your new partner, and greater well-being. Furthermore, rebound relationships do not last any shorter than regular relationships.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201405/can-rebound-relationship-be-the-real-deal|title=Can a Rebound Relationship Be the Real Deal?|website=Psychology Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201707/the-4-main-reasons-why-people-stay-friends-their-exes|title=The 4 Main Reasons Why People Stay Friends With Their Exes|website=Psychology Today}}</ref> 60% of people are friends with one or more ex.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201402/how-healthy-are-againoff-again-relationships|title=How Healthy Are On-Again/Off-Again Relationships?|website=Psychology Today}}</ref> 60% of people have had an off-and-on relationship. 37% of cohabiting couples, and 23% of the married, have broken up and gotten back together with their existing partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201407/the-truth-about-again-again-couples|title=The Truth About On-Again, Off-Again Couples|website=Psychology Today}}</ref>

Terminating a [[#Marital relationship|marital relationship]] implies [[divorce]] or [[annulment]]. One reason cited for divorce is infidelity. The determinants of unfaithfulness are debated by dating service providers, feminists, academics, and science communicators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.psychcentral.com/relationships/2014/08/a-look-at-infidelity-why-do-partners-cheat/|title=Predictors of Infidelity: Why Do Partners Cheat?|date=18 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hookingupsmart.com/2013/07/24/relationshipstrategies/the-definitive-survey-of-infidelity-in-marriage-and-relationships/|title=Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Infidelity But Were Afraid to Ask * Hooking Up Smart|date=24 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Mark|first1=Kristen P.|last2=Janssen|first2=Erick|last3=Milhausen|first3=Robin R.|date=1 October 2011|title=Infidelity in heterosexual couples: demographic, interpersonal, and personality-related predictors of extradyadic sex|journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior|volume=40|issue=5|pages=971–982|doi=10.1007/s10508-011-9771-z|pmid=21667234|s2cid=12474225}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://heartiste.wordpress.com/2014/09/28/paper-predictors-of-infidelity/|title=Paper: Predictors Of Infidelity|date=28 September 2014}}</ref> According to Psychology Today, women's, rather than men's, level of commitment more strongly determines if a relationship will continue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201612/the-secret-epidemic-facing-modern-couples|title=The Secret Epidemic Facing Modern Couples|website=Psychology Today}}</ref>