Required Resource: Bevan J. L. 2020 Making Connections Under

Required Resource Bevan J L 2020making Connections Understandi

Report on a time when you felt you were in an unbalanced relationship. Did you feel under benefited or over benefited? Based on what you have learned in Bevan, what are some specific verbal and nonverbal messages or behaviors you might use to restore equity in a close relationship? How would you use different messages or behaviors if you were under benefited versus over benefited? MUST BE: 5-7 Pages. APA Style

Paper For Above instruction

Interpersonal relationships are fundamental to human social life, and maintaining equity within these relationships is crucial for emotional stability and satisfaction. An imbalance—whether feeling under benefited or over benefited—can lead to discomfort and relational tension. This paper explores a personal experience of an unbalanced relationship, analyzes the emotional and behavioral responses associated with it, and applies principles from Bevan’s (2020) "Making Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication" to propose strategies for restoring equity through verbal and nonverbal communication, tailored to whether one feels under benefited or over benefited.

The experience that exemplifies imbalance occurred in a close friendship where I perceived that my emotional investments and support were not being reciprocated adequately. I felt under benefited because I consistently provided assistance and companionship but received minimal reciprocation. This asymmetry generated feelings of frustration and resentment, disrupting the natural reciprocity that sustains healthy relationships. According to Bevan (2020), such imbalances threaten relational integrity and necessitate conscious communication strategies to restore fairness.

From Bevan’s perspective, communication is a vital tool for addressing relational inequities. Restoring balance involves recognizing the feelings associated with imbalance and employing both verbal and nonverbal cues to communicate concerns constructively. When feeling under benefited, it is important to express one’s needs clearly and assertively, ensuring the other person understands the impact of their actions. Conversely, if one perceives over benefit, the focus should be on expressing appreciation and setting boundaries to prevent unintentional exploitation.

Verbal Communication Strategies

In situations where I felt under benefited, I employed specific verbal strategies to address the imbalance. For instance, I used “I” statements to communicate my feelings without assigning blame, such as, “I feel overwhelmed when I support you but don’t receive similar support in return.” This approach aligns with Bevan’s emphasis on clear, direct communication that fosters understanding and reduces defensiveness. Additionally, I articulated my needs explicitly, asking for specific forms of support or involvement that would help restore balance.

In cases of over benefit, verbal strategies shifted toward expressing appreciation and establishing boundaries. For example, I would say, “I value our friendship, but I need to prioritize my own well-being at times. I hope you understand my need for space.” Such statements acknowledge the other person's contributions while asserting personal limits, which is consistent with Bevan’s recommendation to communicate needs assertively and respectfully.

Nonverbal Communication Strategies

Nonverbal cues also play a pivotal role in managing relational imbalance. When feeling under benefited, I utilized nonverbal behaviors such as maintaining eye contact to convey sincerity and engagement, along with open body language to indicate receptiveness. These cues signal a desire to communicate honestly and foster mutual understanding. Moreover, appropriate facial expressions—such as concern or empathy—reinforce the message conveyed verbally.

In contrast, when feeling over benefited, nonverbal communication involved reinforcing boundaries through physical cues. This could include stepping back slightly to indicate a need for space or using gestures that signal a pause or need for reflection, such as raising an open palm in a calming gesture. These cues subtly communicate the importance of boundaries without confrontation, aligning with Bevan’s recommendation to use nonverbal signals to complement verbal messages.

Strategies for Restoring Equity Based on Benefit Perception

Restoring balance when feeling under benefited requires a combination of assertive communication and empathetic listening. It’s essential to articulate personal feelings and specific needs while remaining open to the other person’s perspective. Bevan (2020) underscores the importance of dialogue that promotes mutual understanding, which helps rebuild trust and reciprocity. For instance, scheduling a honest conversation centered on shared feelings can create an environment conducive to restoring relational equity.

If over benefited, strategies focus on expressing gratitude and establishing boundaries to prevent exploitation. Bevan emphasizes the significance of respectful communication that maintains relational harmony. An appropriate approach involves thanking the other person for their contributions and explaining one’s limitations or needs without minimizing their feelings. Implementing consistent boundaries through both verbal and nonverbal cues helps sustain balance and prevent future imbalances.

Implications for Relationship Management

This exploration highlights the importance of conscious communication in managing relational imbalances. Bevan’s (2020) framework illustrates that effective interpersonal communication requires both verbal clarity and nonverbal sensitivity. Recognizing one’s own emotional reactions and understanding the other person’s perspective fosters healthier, more equitable relationships. When imbalances occur, proactive communication strategies—such as assertiveness, empathy, and boundary setting—are essential for restoring and maintaining relational health.

In summary, personal experiences of imbalance can be effectively managed by applying appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication strategies as advocated by Bevan. Whether feeling under benefited or over benefited, intentional communication fosters understanding, respect, and reciprocity, which are vital for long-term relational success. This understanding enhances not only individual well-being but also the overall quality of interpersonal connections.

References

  • Bevan, J. L. (2020). Making connections: Understanding interpersonal communication (3rd ed.). Pearson.
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  • Burleson, B. R. (2017). The communication of support: Messages, interactions, and outcomes. Routledge.
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