short paper answer

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respond to the prompt below in approximately one paragraph per relationship type. Explain and justify your answers. Theories Mentioned this chapter :

Basics of Equity Theory and Dimensions of commitment

  1. Want to: This type of commitment reflects our
    desire to stay in the relationship because we find our partner and the
    relationship appealing.
  2. Have to: This type of commitment may come from a
    recognition that there aren’t any better options for us or that ending
    would be too difficult (either because of the relational partner of the
    reactions of others outside of the relationship).
  3. Ought to: The final type of commitment is more
    focused on obligation to stay in the relationship, perhaps because of
    perceived responsibilities for the relational partner or for the
    relationship itself. Knapp et al. (2013) state that this type of
    commitment may seem less desirable, but that it can be very important
    when relational partners are struggling. Expanding on the want to
    type of commitment, Knapp et al. (2013) describe six dimensions of this
    type of commitment. These dimensions, discussed below, are all ways
    that commitment in a relationship can be positively impacted.
  4. Rewarding future: This dimension focuses on how
    much we believe that there is positive and beneficial future for the
    relational partners if the relationship continues. Talking about the
    future in a positive way can also increase commitment.
  5. Identifying with the relationship: This dimension
    of commitment focuses on how much we integrate the relationship into our
    identities. This may be displayed through our use of “we” instead of
    “I” (a change we discussed occurring in the intensifying stage of
    relational escalation.
  6. Fewer attractive alternatives: Our commitment to a
    relationship can increase if we see fewer attractive options besides our
    partner. This may include dismissing other possible alternatives and
    expressing this dismissal to our relational partner.
  7. Willing to work: As we discussed previously,
    maintaining relationships takes very real work. This dimension of
    commitment refers to our willingness to engage in these relational
    maintenance behaviors, such as doing things for our partner or spending
    time with family. Doing things for our partner will benefit ourselves.
  8. Investing in the relationship: Connected to the
    dimension above, doing the work of relational maintenance makes us more
    invested in the relationship. This increase in investment means an
    increase in commitment.
  9. Accepting responsibility: The final dimension
    focuses on how much we accept the responsibility for the work of
    maintaining the relationship, and how much we perceive that work as a
    choice, or as a choice that we make of our own free will. Remember,
    these dimensions reflect the want to form of commitment, so we
    have to feel as if our actions are ones we want to take to maintain the
    relationship, as opposed to actions we feel we have to take or ought to take.

Based on what you’ve read in this module, what three pieces of advice about maintaining a positive relationship would you give to the following people?

  1. A person who has recently become roommates with their best friend.
    The new roommates are experiencing some difficulty adjusting to their
    new living arrangements.
  2. A person who has been in a romantic relationship for six months. The
    couple has recently decided to become more serious, and have been
    considering marriage.
  3. A person who is trying to be friends with their sibling. This person
    has recently moved out of the family home and is trying to stay close
    to their sibling (who still lives at home).