What are you "Sinking?"

Miscommunication can be a problem, a BIG problem. This video is just a comical example. People often say that good communication is vital to a healthy, happy relationship, and it's true!

In social sciences a theory is used to explain certain phenomenon. One theory that regards phenomenon within the family system is called Symbolic Interaction Theory. This theory explains that each person is influenced and molded by their interactions and experiences. But one of the most important parts of this theory is how the individual defines each situation they are put in. Our unique perceptions come from many factors such as how we were raised, the influences we have at school and work and the other relationships we have.

An example of this theory in real life was my first semester at college. In my teenage years, I developed a sense of humor that was based in sarcasm. When I met my roommates for the first time, I didn't notice anything amiss, and it wasn't until later in the semester that we talked about the first impressions we had of each other. Almost all of them told me that they were scared of me in the beginning. They took my sarcastic nature as rudeness even though I did not intend for it to come across that way. Eventually, they discovered this was my way of joking and teasing. (Don't worry, I've changed). This goes to show that the way that people perceive a situation is very important to how they develop impressions and how relationships are formed.

Relationships are based on communication- the words we speak, the gestures we make, the facial expressions we show, and the message our body language gives off. All of these aspects of communication can be interpreted differently by everyone according to the Symbolic Interaction Theory. We all should seek to be patient with others as we try to understand how the communicate and how they perceive what we communicate to them. Awareness of this concept will increase our understanding of others and it will help us avoid offense and potentially a broken relationship.