Speech: stages of relationship development

 In the movie ‘When Harry Met Sally 1989 Movie', there are two apparent stages of relationships namely; De-intensification and individualization. The former can be defined a stage when the partners decrease interaction and dependence and increase distance.  The latter can be defined as a stage when the partners increase separation and concentrate on their lives as individuals but not as couples.  In minute 27:06 to 30:15, Sally and Harry wanted to stay in the relationship and avoid getting married to each other. Harry and Sally are strangers who later develops a friendship.  They start the stages of relationship development such as the experimenting phase when they argue whether a man and woman can have a friendship without engaging in sexual activities (Broady, 1).  After initiating the relationship and integrating their thoughts, they enter in the de-intensification stage.  As both are adventuring the external world, they decrease interaction and keeps distance.  In the ordinary world, both focus on college education and attainment of the goal.  The de-intensification face leads to individualization state when both enter into the avoidance phase. At this stage, the friendship cools to the extent of not answering each other's call (Broady, 1).

Overall, de-intensification is a stage in the relational de-escalation, and the stage occurs when the partners develop unclear relationship definition, shows less mutual acceptance and decrease communication and physical contact.  First, partners experience the escalation stage and then enters the de-escalation stage due to adversaries and disagreements (Broady, 1).  As a result of the de-escalation, individuals enter in the individualization stage where develop a sense of individuality and rely on one's true self.  Both de-intensification and individualization tend to place each partner away from intimacy and focus on observing and understanding each other (Broady, 1).

 

Reference

Broady Charles. When Harry Met Sally 1989 Movie-Meg Ryan. 2017.  Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__09yJz5hik&feature=youtu.be