Managing Interpersonal Relationships

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Managing Interpersonal Relationships

The Layers of Self Disclosure and the Appropriate Layer to Discuss on the First Date

There are three layers of self-disclosure. The first layer is referred to as the superficial layer (Masaviru, 2016). This is the outermost layer of self-disclosure where individuals reveal facts about themselves that are not threatening (Guerrero et al., 2017). Such information may include demographics such as age, birthplace, ethnicity, and gender. Usually, it is easy to penetrate through this layer during self-disclosure. The second layer of self-disclosure is referred to as the middle layer. This layer entails attitudes and opinions about things. For example, in this layer, people can share their tastes in things such as entertainment, music, and food. Lastly, the inner layer is whereby people start knowing each other to deeper levels, such as knowing each other’s personal values, secrets, goals, and spiritual values. This layer of self-discourse is rarely revealed. According to Guerrero et al. (2017), people only reveal the inner layer to only trusted people.

I think it is appropriate to discuss the superficial layer and the intermediate layer on the first date. It is appropriate to discuss the superficial layer on the first date since it allows people who have met for the first time to know each other better by knowing their place of birth, and age, among other demographics. When people have known about each other’s basic information, they can proceed to share their likes and dislikes, which are revealed as people penetrate the middle layer of disclosure.

Group Project

I was part of a small group that collected usable clothing and shoes and donated them to orphanages in our community. After realizing that children in community orphanages were lacking appropriate clothing during the harsh weather conditions, we joined a group of 10 volunteers and decided to collect usable clothing and shoes from members of our society and well-wishers to put a smile on these children’s lives. We had planned to collect these items in a span of three weeks, where we walked from door to door, collecting the items from the fortunate members of the community. The end result of our group project was productive. We collected and donated many usable shoes and clothes to the two orphanages. These donations were very helpful to these children who could not afford to buy new clothes. Also, we received some financial help from well-wishers, which enabled us to buy more clothes and donate to these children who needed them most. The orphanages we had served reached out after we made our donations, thanking us for our great work.

Although I was not the leader of our group, I could tell who the leader was. When we met and came up with the idea of collecting and donating the items, the first thing that we did was to select the group leader. We needed a leader to ensure that the collected items and funds received from well-wishers were safe and used for the intended purpose. I believe that the group’s direction in completing the task aligned with how I felt the task should have been completed. This is because we engaged in an open discussion and planned our activities and how to go about each group activity. Therefore, everything that we did, we had mutually agreed on it as a group.

References

Guerrero, L. K., Andersen, P. A., & Afifi, W. A. (2017). Close encounters: Communication in relationships. Sage Publications.

Masaviru, M. (2016). Self-disclosure: Theories and model review. Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 18(1), 43-44.