Factors that motivate us to pursue a relationship include similar attitudes and interests , mutual liking , and positive regard - compliments vs. criticism . Each person seeks a common ground that may provide a basis for pursuing the relationship. Friendship always precedes a more meaningful commitment If the surface contact provided by small talk and initial self-disclosure has been mutually rewarded , partners in a relationship may develop deeper feelings of liking for each other. Self- disclosure may continue to build gradually through the course of a relationship as partners come to trust one another enough to share confidences, hopes, dreams, fantasies, and more intimate feelings . A relationship begins to deteriorate when one or both partners assess the relationship to be less rewarding than it had been.
Couples can respond to deterioration in active or passive ways.
Factors that can deter or slow deterioration include putting time and energy into the relationship. What you value, you spend time on, striving to cultivate the relationship and showing patience , for example, giving the relationship a reasonable opportunity to improve. Ending is the final stage of a relationship. Various factors can prevent a deteriorating relationship from ending. For example, people who continue to find some sources of satisfaction , who are committed to maintaining the relationship, or who believe they will eventually be able to overcome their problems are more likely to invest what they must to prevent the collapse.