Week 11 - Post 3

I found the social exchange theory in chapter twelve to be interesting.  I feel that all relationship values are determined.  I believe that people determine their value in conflicts as well.  For example, we might ask ourselves, is it worth it to be in conflict with him/her since I value the satisfaction and commitment of the relationship?  If we did not value those things in our relationship the likely hood of a conflict might be greater. 

I value the relationship I have with my boyfriend.  We have been together almost six years now.  The level of satisfaction in our relationship is high.  We have been through a lot and I am satisfied with how much we have grown together.  The level of commitment is extremely high in our relationship.  We have a give and take relationship.  We both give all the time and in return we both receive as well.  It’s a matter of balance and it seems to work very well.  Therefore, with our level of satisfaction and commitment it shows that we both value this relationship very much. 

The value of my relationship with my father is the opposite of the value of the relationship I have with my boyfriend.  I have talked about this relationship before and it is one that I do not value.  The level of satisfaction I have with this relationship is low.  The amount of positive experience versus negative experience is much lower.  The commitment I have with this relationship is very low as well.  For my father is was more of what he could get out of it that what he could give.  It was always about what made him happy and not about what made me happy.  This relationship determined value is very low.