Roles and Impressions within Romantic Relationships and Heartbreak

Abstract

This collection of four poems explores the breakdown of romantic relationships that leads to heartbreak through the use of metaphorical and allegorical comparison, particularly through imagery found in fairytales or mythical and mystical lore. Sociology has a keen interest in the dynamics of social relationships, which includes how individuals collectively navigate romantic connections. Such relationship interactions have become key sociological topics, with several sociological theories offering insight into ways of understanding interpersonal communication and conscious or subconscious negotiations that occur. According to role theory, social interactions are greatly informed by established norms and presumed or assumed roles. Under exchange theory, relationships can be viewed as continually weighing pros and cons or as gauging trade-offs of costs and benefits, including comparing alternative options when deciding to continue a relationship. Impression formation often comes into play for one’s overall perception of others and impression management is the act of someone trying to endear or ingratiate oneself with others when attempting to maintain or even strengthen a relationship bond. Role strain occurs when an individual within a relationship feels like they are unable to uphold that which is expected of them. Romantic relationships tend to be even more heightened than  verage interpersonal relationships due to heightened feelings and emotions. Symbolic interactionism can emerge as romantic partners try to make gestures of love towards one another, but such symbolism does not guarantee relational compatibility.