There are an astounding amount of stages to a relationship. Some blossom quite quickly whereas others develop gradually. Defining what two people mean to each other is the backbone of determining expectations in shared activities, commitment, and identity. Mark Knapp, a communication scholar created a model through which he elaborates upon five stages of coming together and five stages of growing apart. The first stage entails the initiation in which two people first encounter each other, forming impressions. Following this is the experimenting phase where two people get acquainted through small talk, asking what they do for work and where they're from. This phase enables one to discern who is worth getting to know better. When one has found someone to be worthwhile in getting to know better, the intensifying stage begins where a truly interpersonal relationship blossoms; expressing how two people feel about each other through strong emotions and optimism. This stage tends to be a turning point for a relationship that may develop further, or come to an end. In the event the relationship moves forward, integration begins where a couple identifies themselves as a social unit. Couples share belongings and memories, and elaborate explanations are no longer needed in favor of being straightforward. Finally, the bonding stage happens where a couple expressed commitment through a wedding or any number of ways one may communicate that the relationship will last. Despite all this, some relationships fizzle out starting with differentiating through focusing on how a couple are different as opposed to being alike. This stage is by no means a death sentence for a relationship and may merely indicate that we are distinct individuals. In the event the relationship is doomed, circumscribing begins where communication is considerably reduced in terms of quality and how often the communication takes place. Couples may give the silent treatment instead of discussing a problem. If this continues, stagnation is prevalent where a couple doesn't elicit much feeling during interaction. As it continues, a couple tends to avoid each other, distancing themselves by using excuses or being more direct. Finally, the termination stage occurs where there is communication detailing where the relationship has ended up and a yearning to break up. Some couples may get back together for a time, remain friends, or drift apart entirely.