Getting to know someone on a more personal level is something that I enjoy being a part of. The social penetration theory is just that. This theory is defined as the relationship that develops if people contribute in conversations that eventually lead to more personal levels of discussion. In high school, I never enjoyed contributing to conversations with my classmates. Whenever I tried to say something, I received looks that said, "nobody cares." This led me to keep to myself; I figured the less people to know about who I was as a person, the better. During my first few weeks at Alverno, I felt a different feeling--a feeling of acceptance. More individuals cared to talk to me, and I felt more comfortable talking to them in return. Throughout my first year at Alverno, I made so many new friends that liked me for me, and for that, I am forever grateful for choosing the school that I did.
Now that I am in my sophomore year at Alverno, I have felt myself come out of my shy, guarded shell. I have started more conversations with individuals who I would not normally engage with. I resonate with the concept that personality is like a multi-layered onion with one's outer layer being their public self and one's inner layer being their private self. I feel as though that because I am now comfortable and confident with being who I am, I have opened up to many people and allowed them to get to know my personal self. An example of this is after my sister had passed last semester, I did not let anyone in. All I shared with people was that she died. I did not share any of my feelings towards what had happened with anyone. This semester, I have let quite a few people into my thoughts on what happened. I found talking about what emotions I was feeling to be helpful in so many ways. Letting people in has let them get to know where I am coming from and when I open up to them, they usually feel comfortable enough to open up to me as well. Thus, I am creating more, intimate friendships.
Moreover, being able to apply this theory to my life has helped me learn more about how relationships can grow and become such an important aspect of a persons life. This theory has also taught me more about myself and how I experience making new friendships.
I am sorry about your sister. You are brave for telling all of us about it and being able to self disclose to us. I am glad that Alverno is a place where you are comfortable and feel like you belong. I am also learning about myself through these communication theories and I love the way you said "experience making new friendships." Making friends and developing more intimate relationships with people can definitely be filled with new experiences. This is especially true when gaining new confidence and applying communication theories like the social penetration theory.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to here the thoughts of a person who is not as outspoken as others. I am glad that you are finally coming out of your shell and making connections with others. Alverno is the best place for you to be because they push you out of your comfort zone. That was a great example of your high school years. It's unfortunate that kids can be mean and shun others but I'm glad you over came it. I;m glad that you understand the importance of social relationships and connecting with others, and I hope this class helps you even more.
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