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An individual will engage in conversation or some other form of contact with a friend, colleague, acquaintance or stranger, possibly at a cocktail party or for a coffee. After a time the interaction is terminated because one or both have other interactions in which they believe they can more profitably engage, whether out of interest, pleasure, or some form of obligation. On parting they may fix a date for a further encounter between them, although the overlap in their patterns of behaviour may be such as to bring about such an encounter anyway.
Metaphor
Such patterns of interaction are also evident in the relationships between groups and nations (through their representatives).
[Features]The different kinds or qualities of interaction and the different periods for which they are activated. The manner in which interactions are ordered and given priorities over a period of time.
[Contrast]This process is extremely well developed at the individual level and constitutes much of the dynamics of interpersonal interaction. Although well developed in the commercial and diplomatic worlds, it is not clear that it yet provides an equivalent amount of 'connective tissue'.
[Keys]The variety of calendar (diary) filling policies. How each interaction fits into a pattern through which the individual is nourished.