Close Encounters: Communication in Relationships, Third Edition takes a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication by focusing on issues that are central to describing and understanding close relationships. Although the primary focus is on communication research, this book emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships by including research from various disciplines such as social psychology and family studies. Organized using a developmental approach, the authors first look at initial interaction and relational escalation, then move on to issues related to maintaining intimate relationships, and finally focus on challenges relational partners face, including relationship endings.

New to the Thrid Edition

- Incorporates the latest research on topics such as date initiation, cohabitation, friends with benefits, affectionate communication, identity in interracial relationships, and the effects of conflict and divorce on children.

- Offers more self-tests so students can better assess themselves and their relationships.

- Provides chapter-opening scenarios that are referred to throughout the chapter to show how communication concepts and theories can be applied to people′s lives.