Navigating Uncertainty and Attraction: The Evolution of Friendship and Romance in When Harry Met Sally”

– Writing provides clear evidence of having watched/read the film/book.

-Critique and analysis are clearly grounded in relational communication. Essay should include a short summary of the sections being analyzed/critiqued. Be sure the analysis/critique is focused on aspects that directly connect to relational communication. 

 Evidence for the critique and analysis is drawn from at least 4-5 different course concepts and theories.

Writing is clear. 
Writing is grammatically correct. 
Writing is free from typos and spelling errors.

In “When Harry Met Sally,” these terms can be related to different phases of Harry and Sally’s evolving relationship:

1. Relationship Uncertainty: Throughout much of the film, Harry and Sally experience uncertainty about the nature of their relationship. Initially, they don’t see each other as potential romantic partners, and as their friendship deepens, they struggle with whether or not their relationship could evolve into something more. This uncertainty peaks when they sleep together, causing confusion and tension about the future of their relationship.

2. Attraction: Over time, both Harry and Sally develop a strong mutual attraction, though it is not immediate. Their attraction grows organically as they share experiences, support one another, and spend time together. This motivated state becomes especially clear when Harry realizes on New Year’s Eve that he’s deeply in love with Sally, prompting him to pursue her romantically.

3. Behavioral Familiarity: After years of friendship, Harry and Sally develop a deep understanding of each other’s typical communication styles. This familiarity is evident in how they interact, joke, and support each other, often knowing exactly how the other will respond. Their ability to anticipate each other’s reactions reflects their closeness and the comfort they’ve built over time.

4. Resurrection Processes Phase: Both Harry and Sally experience the resurrection processes phase after their respective breakups with other partners. They reflect on their past relationships, learn from those experiences, and begin to imagine futures that aren’t defined by their past romantic failures. This process helps them both become open to the idea of love with each other, leading to their eventual romantic relationship.

These concepts help explain the depth and complexity of their relationship, from friendship to romance.

Key Terms to include:

1. Relationship uncertainty: A lack of confidence in the ability to predict the current or future state of the relationship

2. Attraction: A motivated state in which an individual is predisposed to think, feel, and usually behave in a positive manner toward another person

3. Behavioral familiarity: Having knowledge of the partner’s typical communication style, 

4. Resurrection processes phase: The fifth and final stage of the relational dissolution process, wherein people move on by visualizing their future without their old relationship and learning from their past experiences.