Paul and Henrietta are both aware of a mutual attraction between them. They talk before class each day, but mostly about how the class is going and what they think about the teacher. At which stage of relational escalation are they?

Acquaintance

Explanation:

Relational escalation theory was coined by Mark L. Knapp.

He proposed this theory in which he categorized relationships in five stages.

In the given question, Paul and Henrietta are on the second stage of relation escalation theory.

In Acquaintance relational escalation, the partners are on the level where they try to get to know each other by asking standard questions and not personal questions.

Paul and Henrietta, are asking each other questions related to their class and not about personal matters.

So, the correct answer is Acquaintance relation escalation.