ABSTRACT
Upon completion of Chapter 8, readers will be able to discuss the development of friendships and romantic relationships and how these relationships affect our listening skills and behavior. They will be able to identify and explain the effect of a variety of factors (e.g., gender differences, commitment indicators, technology) on building and maintaining relationships. Readers will be able to describe the role of listening and communication in handling conflict and giving and receiving social support (e.g., trust, verbal assurances, authenticity). Utilizing this information, readers will be able to select listening strategies that will help them develop and maintain friendships and romantic partnerships.
