Relationships are a critical part of life since the human species is social. Interpersonal Relationships refer to strong associations which are formed between people who find similarities in taste, aspirations and interests. An interpersonal relationship is essential as they ensure quick delivery pf results in families, friendships and even in the workplaces. Interpersonal relationships are defined to meet emotional and physical needs helping humanity to stay healthy and approach life challenges with reduced stress. The Simpsons is a popular television show that has continued to air for over 25 years, which depicts various stages of interpersonal relationships (Berger, 2016). In the family setting, the relationships between the parents and their children can be used in the explanations. For example, they expound on the types of messages in a relationship, various theories of relations as well as stages of relationships as they take place in human life. On the multiple episodes of the animated series, the essay provides a discussion on the interpersonal relationship with specific reference to the second episode of the 26th episode entitled 'The Wreck of the Relationship'.
Stages of interpersonal relationship
The Simpson family describes the various types of interpersonal relationships, which include friendships, family, professional and, romantic relationships. Lisa, Marge, Bart and Homer show a unique development of friendship where they can accommodate and fellowship with one other. The individuals in the story are related by blood and marriage, forming an interpersonal relationship with strong bonds, aspirations and interests (Berscheid & Regan, 2016). The most established types of relationship are family. They discuss specific relationships, for example, how Homer relates to Marge, his wife. It also simplifies different approaches to their children as well as how Lisa and Bart respond to their parents.
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Types of messages in relationships
The episode on wreck relationship, the series shows a conflict in the Simpson family as homer decides to discipline Bart to get him to behave. When Bart refuses to eat his broccoli during dinner, Homer decides to become a strict parent, which leads to a severe conflict prompting the intervention of marge. Both Bart and homer are well acquainted with one another, and their relationship is established under the basis of father and son conflict (Berger, 2016). Their relationship is one the buildup stage as it continues to grow with a distance developing between them (Berscheid & Regan, 2016). As the relationship continues to grow to enter the continuation stage, Bart becomes distant and disregard the authority of his father. His actions result in the need for Homer to take stricter steps to correct the situation.
The episode describes a deterioration stage of the interpersonal relationship between Homer and Bart. As Homer steadily refuses to eat his broccoli, a conflict ensues resulting in a standoff. To solve the conflict, Lisa offers to eat the broccoli which Homer denies. Marge interventions involve a solution of compromise with smoothies, which Bart further averts by intentional spilling of the smoothing (Perkins, 2014). As the relationships deteriorate to a termination stage, marge decides to send them to a 'Relation Ship' to sort out their issues.
Theories of interpersonal relationships
In interpersonal relationships, social exchange is one of the approaches used to explain the nature and functioning of relationships. The argument is based on individual expectations in a relationship as a relationship without expectation is meaningless (Berger, 2016). The theory argues that for a successful relationship, individuals involved must reciprocate the feelings and emotions as per the expectations. The argument is well utilized in the Simpsons episode on 'The Wrecked Relationship' (Perkins, 2014). Homer expects Bart to respect his authority and behave himself in the family by following the laid-out orders.
On the other hand, Bart is hopeful that his parents and especially his father will understand his failure to eat broccoli based on his preference and desire. As a result, a conflict ensures which requires a correction in understanding expectations and acting to meet them (Berscheid & Regan, 2016). A contrary relation is shown by Marge and Lisa in the management of Homer fantasy football club (Perkins, 2014). Lisa and marge work together to find solutions which work effectively. The Attachment interpersonal theory is also shown in the Simpsons in the family collaboration and unity in finding solutions for their problems. Marge intervenes to solve the conflict and arranges a trip where they both enjoy fulfilling activities and resolve their relationship problems.
An interpersonal relationship entails a close relationship with shared common goals and interests. The Simpson as a TV show which has run out for many years is a description of how interpersonal relationships at personal, family friendship and working settings (Berger, 2016). The Simpsons describe the types of relationships, stages, and theories of interpersonal relationships. The show explains how individuals who are congenial or in conflicts can enter into a relationship and co-exist peacefully.
Conclusion
Interpersonal relationships are an essential part of humanity which needs to be an investment. Since bonds cannot be one-sided, every individual coming into contact must understand the expectations. They must comprehend them from the entry point to foster building up the relationship and avoid deterioration and termination. The Simpson episode, 'the wreck of the relationship' gains its roots form interrelationships. It serves as an icon of depiction on relationships between parents and their children stretching, the world reality. Simpson's present relationships as dynamic and changeable, great or more detrimental depending on the participant's struggle and perseverance. Marge, Homer, Bart and Lisa resonates with the public in its use of reality themes to reexamine types stages and theories of relationships in the society and how they can be perfected.
References
Berger, A. A. (2016). Interpersonal communication. In Messages (pp. 100-117). Routledge.
Berscheid, E. S., & Regan, P. C. (2016). The psychology of interpersonal relationships . Psychology Press.
Perkins, D. (2014, October 5). The Simpsons: 'The Wreck Of The Relationship? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://tv.avclub.com/the-simpsons-the-wreck-of-the-relationship-1798181650
