A Walk to Remember

A Walk to Remember

The movie, A Walk to Remember, is an excellent example of the development of an interpersonal relationship. Jamie (played by Mandy Moore) is quiet and religious. Landon (played by Shane West) is outgoing and free-spirited. They moved in different social circles. Though they knew of each other through school, they really didn't know each other until they both were in the same school play. Landon did not want to reveal his feelings for Jamie to his circle of friends for fear of being ostracized from the group. Jamie had a secret crush on Landon, but would not act on her feelings in her initial contact with him. Through time, however, both Jamie and Landon came to terms with their feelings for one another, even though conflict and obstacles were a part of their everyday life. They went from being acquaintances to life partners when they exchanged wedding vows.

One of the concepts of interpersonal communication present in the movie is self-disclosure. Self-disclosure involves purposefully providing information to others that they would not learn if you did not tell them. It moves in small increments, and the exchange of personal information moves from less to more personal. Risks are taken in disclosing, but with trust, disclosure is possible. The quality of an interpersonal relationship can be enhanced through this process.

The relationship between Jamie and Landon followed this self-disclosing process. Landon knew nothing of Jamie's medical condition, leukemia. As their relationship progressed, Jamie disclosed her condition to Landon, even though she knew that she was taking a risk that this could possibly end their relationship. Landon, realizing that he truly loved Jamie, self-disclosed by professing his love for her. This action, too, could have been risky, if she had chosen to not accept his love because of the potential that she would die and not be able to return his love. Their relationship took baby steps that helped it grow and develop. They did not reveal a great deal of information about themselves until the time was right and they could sense that their relationship was ready for the next step. They both held back their emotions.

Though their relationship culminated in intimate space (zone of personal space most often used for very personal or intimate interactions, ranging from 0 to 1-1/2 feet from the individual), it initially began in what is considered social space (zone of personal space most often used for group interactions, ranging from 4 to 12 feet from the individual). At school, they shared social space, but this changed to personal space during play rehearsal. This can be seen during one of their meetings when Landon approaches Jamie and asks for help with his lines in the play. There was a distance between them but it was less than the space they shared at school. Through their working together on the play, this social space lessened to personal space (zone of personal space most often used for conversation, ranging from 1-1/2 feet to 4 feet from the individual. Though there was no kissing scene in the original script, Landon