Notes that the primary arbiters of acceptable behavior in informal social conversation are authors of works on etiquette, and that their rules and taboos reflect and shape conversation in the social era in which they appear. Describes behavior books for adults and children in the first half of the eighteenth century in the United States. (SKC)

Presents a model of relational influence attempts (RIAs) in dating and marital couples' conversations. Provides insight into the role that tacit relational knowledge plays in shaping conversation. Links conversation analysis with relationship analysis. Supports the claim that knowledge of relational pragmatics is required to effectively evaluate…