This brief discussion of politeness as an
interpersonal relationship theory comes from my Interpersonal Communication Book but I thought that those using Interpersonal
Messages or Essentials of Human
Communication might also find this
relevant.
Another
approach to relationships looks at politeness as a major force in developing,
maintaining, and deteriorating relationships. Politeness theory would go
something like this: Two people develop a
relationship when each respects, contributes to, and acknowledges the positive
and negative face needs of the other and it deteriorates when they don't.
