Stereotyping, Empathizing, Co-constructing Uniquenesses: A Reflection on Intimacy

Abstract

ABSTRACT An important kind of intimacy can usefully be understood as occurring through the process I call co-constructing uniquenesses. Here, conceptual analysis explains this joint process, and close reading of a clear case displays how the process happens in conversation. The conceptual analysis appropriates two familiar constructs – stereotyping and empathizing – to help define the process by contrast. The close reading applies elements of Robert Arundale’s “conjoint co-constituting model of communicating” to illustrate how co-constructing uniquenesses is accomplished in verbal/nonverbal talk, and how it may be analyzed. Researchers, teachers, and trainers interested in intimacy are invited to consider how this construct might contribute to their work.