This paper defines the variables involved in relational communication, incorporates and organizes these variables into a framework, and proposes relationships between these variables to produce a model with heuristic capabilities. Relational messages include information about the feelings, personalities, and identities of the people involved in communication interaction. The basis for evaluating relational messages is in terms of six dimensions: consistency, salience, stability, valence, perceived manipulation, and idiosyncratic credit. This model has been developed to provide a framework which illustrates the essential components of relational communication and their interrelationships in a concise manner. (RB)