Finally, similarity means to feel like someone based on shared values, attitudes
and beliefs that are expressed between relational participants (Burgoon & Hale, 1987).
Certain demographic characteristics, such as ethnicity, age, or gender, may contribute to
enhanced relational similarity. Because communication is the exchange of information
between people within a cultural context, similarity may enhance the closeness o f the
relationship and facilitate relational aspects such as satisfaction and compliance. Within
a nurse-patient relationship, a nurse’s communication of similarity is important as a way
to demonstrate respect for and empathic understanding of a patient, including attitudes,
beliefs, and values, which demonstrates the nurse’s intimacy or commitment in the
relationship.