Sunday, February 18, 2007
Interpersonal Communication
I've always wondered why people think and act the way they do. Why do people communicate in certain ways? Are communication skills something that's genetic, or is it something that is developed over time? And how much of an impact does the environment have on interpersonal communication?
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Your blog made me think of one specific instance. The part where you asked if we thought environment has anything to do with how our communication skills develop made me think of my friends' boyfriend. While he was growing up, his parents were mom and dad...never husband and wife. They never ever showed any type of emotion or affection in front of their kids. In turn, he never shows any emotions towards his girlfriend and neither do his brothers with their partners. He never speaks his feelings and he never makes it known that he cares, at least never in public. Just thought that was interesting!
Well, after reading Maria's comment it triggered a memory of my friends boyfriend as well. He was raised in VT and so we'll be joking around and he'll take things too seriously or try to joke around with us and just cross the line, because he doesn't come from the same background as us.
I think the place in which you grew up definately effects the way you communicate with others. Like for instance, certain people in different regions of the country have different habits. For example, from what I've heard, people in CA are more mellow and pleasant as well in the south, they'll just come say hi to you even if you don't know them.. but around here, if someone randomly says hi to you you're like.. why are you talking to me!?
I think your friends and family have a big impact on how you communicate. if your family is more open and has an open line of communication, then you will develop good communication skills. I think your friends communication skills rubs off on your own skills as well.
I think environment has a huge impact on your ability to communicate. Its called "socialization" , and if you don't learn it when you are young, you can never change. Look at examples of kids who were locked away their entire childhoods, or raised by wolves. Even when they are brought into the "real world" as adults they can never fully adapt to the world.
We are all a product of our environment, although I think that some people are just born with the ability to communicate better than others. Some people will get nervous or shy and other will just be cool and calm, I think it is all genes.
I think our communication skills are something that are not genetic, but how you are brought up. Many families tend to have similar communication skills, and I think it is a result of growing up in the same household.
I think that the communication skills that are importantare adapted through a persons enviroment growing up in a combination with a person's personality. The world and the technilogical advances today have somewhat hindered the skills for younger kids, but it still wont affect their personality which will kick in when in public and in interpersonal situations.
Nature vs. nurture, but in terms of how we communicate? Interesting. I think it's both. My parents communicate in different ways, about everything. I have picked up both of their habits. So on somethings I'm all about telling you. On others I will never open my mouth. I think we pick up others habits full on when we're young, filter them out when we get older and by and by work on what works for us.
Interpersonal communication stems from both personality and experiance. some people are just born feeling comfortable talking to friends, family, and strangers. I was always shy around people i didn't know, but after i was forced to go to a new school during my freshman year at highschool i was forced to talk to people i didn't know, and felt uncomfortable around. Now I have no problem working in groups or one on one with anyone. When it comes to interpersonal communication, confidance goes a long way.
Thank you all for your comments. Now another question I'd like to raise... how open do you think males are to interpersonal communication and forming new relationships and opposed to women? Who is the more outgoing sex?
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