Interpersonal relationships can be complicated, and they sometimes require a lot of work. But by expanding your knowledge and learning new skills, you can improve your satisfaction within interpersonal relationships. In this chapter you will learn about interpersonal relationships and interpersonal communication. You will learn the stages of relational development, maintenance, and deterioration. You will also learn why people initiate relationships, maintain them, and end them. You will study such essential concepts as self-disclosing, using affectionate and supportive communication, influencing others, and developing a unique relationship. Although interpersonal communication is challenging, you will learn how to improve your communication in interpersonal relationships.