not real. These choices come from the meanings that we carry with us about how we see others viewing us. I choose to spend a lot of time with my boyfriend while he chooses to spend very little time together. SI explains this difference in the meanings that we carry for the relationship. I feel a relationship means a connection between two people resulting in time spent together, more than just common friends. My views of relationship define it as a deeper friendship than that of a person you spend time with on various occasions. Thus, I choose to spend as much available time together within reason. My boyfriend on the other hand has a different meaning for what a relationship is. Therefore, his choice of behavior is to spend just enough time together to give the impression to others viewing our relationship that it is in perfect harmony.
             The second assumption of the first theme in the Symbolic Interaction Theory states, "Meaning can only exist when people share common interpretations of the symbols they exchange in interaction" (in West & Turner, 2000, p.77). Blumer explains this assumption of George Mead in three approaches, the first being that meaning is intrinsic to the thing. Simply stated, things become reality when we recognize them as they are. Second, Blumer states the origin of meaning as, "brought to the thing by the person for whom the thing has meaning" (in West & Turner, 2000, p. 77). This means that meanings are in people not in words. The final approach Blumer uses states that meanings are "social products" or "creations that are formed in and through the defining activities of people as they interact" (in West & Turner, 2000, p. 77). This approach views our meanings as being the product of the interaction we have with others. Applied to the situation, my boyfriend and I share the
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