Implications of Relationship Type for Understanding Compatibility

Compatibility involves getting along with another in a congenial, harmonious fashion, and it is easy to predict how certain behaviors will affect compatibility. For example, being attentive to what another person says should increase or at least maintain compatibility. In contrast, insulting another should decrease compatibility or keep it at a low level. It is difficult, however, to predict how certain other behaviors will influence compatibility. For example, imagine someone giving you an expensive birthday gift, perfectly suited to your needs. Would it make you feel closer to the giver and solidify the relationship, thereby enhancing compatibility? Or would it seem inappropriate, make you feel awkward and uncomfortable, and therefore decrease compatibility? Alternatively, imagine how you would react if someone whom you just helped immediately paid you for that help. Would it be annoying and decrease feelings of compatibility? Or would it seem entirely appropriate?

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