This book presents a theoretical framework for the study of relationship management in conversation and an empirical study of a corpus of initial interactions. It provides detailed descriptions of the sequential resources unacquainted interlocutors use in order to generate self-presentation, introduce topics and establish common contextual resources. It is argued that these sequential patterns embody conventionalized procedures for establishing an interpersonal relationship involving some degree of solidarity (mutual rights and obligations), familiarity (mutual knowledge of personal background) and mutual affect (emotional commitment). The sequential analysis is based on a conversation analytic approach, while the interpretive framework consists of pragmatic theories of politeness, conversational style and common ground.