Includes bibliographical references and index.

Communication : the lifeblood of relationships -- Stages of coming together and coming apart -- The nature of the communicators -- The communication environment : cultural and physical -- The genesis of dialogue -- Interaction rituals -- The foundations of intimate dialogue -- Maintaining relationships through dialogue : disclosures, lies, and fights -- Maintaining relationships through dialogue : commitment and intimacy -- Communication and the process of relationship disengagement -- The dialogue of distance and de-escalation -- Evaluating and developing effective communication in relationships.