ecome more intimate with someone. The model is descriptive of what seems to happen - not what should happen* (Knapp & Vangelisti, 1992, p. 32).
Knapp's model of interaction stages was designed to work within the context of the social penetration theory (although it finds useful application in other theories as well, notably dialectical theory and social exchange theory (Knapp & Vangelisti, 1992, pp. 45-52)). This model resembles an ascending/descending staircase, and offers corresponding up/down degrees of intimacy (Knapp & Vangelisti, 1992, 33):
As a general rule, a relationship can go down (COMING APART) only from a stage corresponding to how far up on the staircase it has progressed. Thus, an Initiating conversation between two strangers such as "How are ya?" can only go forward
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