Discuss the three “pitfalls” of inauthentic communication and give examples of each

Question

Please provide the best answer for the best statement.

Answer 1

Answer: The first “pitfall” of inauthentic communication is topic avoidance, where one or both people in a relationship prohibit the other from discussing issues that are important to either of them. Because confronting issues is important in a relationship, this avoidance can make it difficult for them to maintain intimacy and commitment. For example, if a good friend wishes to discuss his or her sexual identity and one refuses to do so, he or she risks damaging the closeness and relationship with the other person by shutting down communication on this topic. The second “pitfall” is meaning denial.Authentic communication involves taking responsibility for what we say and mean; if one is angry and teases a friend harshly because of it, it is inauthentic to deny that one is angry and trying to be hurtful. For example, if one’s actions cause another individual to become visibly upset, the first person may compound the problem by calling the other “too sensitive” instead of taking responsibility for the harm his or her words caused. The third “pitfall” is disqualification. Authentic communicators allow others to speak regardless of their own position or experience. For example, if a single friend attempts to give relationship support and advice, she may feel disqualified if her friend refuses to listen because she isn’t married. We also can disqualify a romantic partner by denying him or her the right to speak on a topic because of his or her sex or because we perceive ourselves to be more expert on the topic.