Chapter 7 talks about interpersonal communication and how it's different from other forms of communication. I like how this chapter talked about distance when dealing with interpersonal communication. Page 125 of the book reads, "Distance is interpersonal space that nourishes the very thing that keeps persons together interpersonally--relationship." It's funny because when I think of interpersonal relationships, I think of closeness. A relationship that's understanding is a close relationship. This chapter though talks about how, "distance keeps us from equating interpersonal communication with ever more closeness." (Page 125) I like that it talked about how distance nourishes a relationship and allows us to create relationships that are "historically appropriate."
Distance in this chapter makes sense because for a good/understanding interpersonal relationship, there needs to be boundaries. I think boundaries are good to have in any relationship. If there aren't boundaries in a relationship people get too comfortable and forget to care for the relationship. To me, I feel like distance gives us the space we need in a relationship to understand and grow.
"Relationships need space for growth and change, an assumption that runs counter to popular assumptions of the need for 'closeness' in relationships"(123). Distance ironically keeps people in a healthy relationship to nourish the good of the relationship. I like how you talk about if you don't have boundaries then a person will become too "close" and care less about the relationship. This eliminates the protecting and the promoting of the good of the relationship essentially so there needs to be distance and boundaries between others. Doing this you can reflect on the relationship and gain a better understanding of the relationship with that person. There is also an interesting point the book makes that philosophically, memories would not be possible without the concept of distance. If we do not separate ourselves from others then we can not appreciate the moments that we have had with them.
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