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Communication

Communication in Personal Relationships
Marianne Dainton
Associate Professor, Communication
B.A., Villanova University
M.A., Ph.D., Ohio State University.
dainton@lasalle.edu

Dr. Dainton studies communication patterns in personal relationships. Her research focuses on relationship maintenance in different couple types such as marriage, dating relationships, and long-distance relationships. She is the co-editor of the book “Maintaining Relationships through Communication: Relational, Cultural, and Structural Variations,” published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Dr. Dainton says there are several characteristics or factors that are indicative of good communication between partners. They are:

Positivity: being upbeat, cheerful, polite to each other.

Openness: self-disclosure, talking about private thoughts and feelings.

Assurances: reassuring partner of your love and commitment, also reassuring partner that you care about him/herself.

Networks: relying on common family and friends.
Tasks: negotiating and sharing responsibilities (house work, child care, etc).

Conflict Management: apologizing when wrong, seeking compromise, listening to other's point of view.

Advice: serve as a "sounding board" for the partner, providing support.

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