Murdock's Ladder

Murdock's Ladder is a framework used to explain the stages people typically go through when forming and strengthening relationships. It suggests that relationships develop gradually—from initial acquaintanceship, to casual friends, and eventually to close friends or family. Each rung on the ladder represents a deeper level of connection, built through increasing trust, shared experiences, and open communication. Understanding this helps people recognize that building meaningful relationships takes time and effort, emphasizing the importance of progressing step-by-step rather than expecting immediate closeness.