Theories of Relational Communication

Theories of relational communication explore how people build, manage, and understand their relationships through what they say and how they say it. They examine patterns like tone, timing, and nonverbal cues that reveal trust, intimacy, or conflict. These theories help us see how communication shapes personal bonds, influence, and social connections over time. Essentially, they show that communication is not just about exchanging information, but also about expressing feelings, establishing identities, and maintaining relationships.