Week 12 Question 1

I think the most difficult to change is the competitive symmetry pattern. When people are competitive in nature, it is very hard for them to admit they are the submissive one and in a relationship like this, they just keep competing. Competitive symmetry defined as “both members fight for the one-up position”(Trenholm, 2008, p. 148). Basically, I think it is never ending cycle and sometimes it can be “encouraging or stressful”(p.148). The most damaging to a relationship is the submissive symmetry pattern, “both parties struggle to relinquish control” (p.148). Because I think if either of the members are going to make a decision, there could be more problems and eventually will lead to arguments. The most potentially damaging to the self-esteem is the complementary pattern, “one partner takes the one-up position and the other takes the one-down” (p.148). The partner who takes the one-down position might feel being control all the time and sometimes it leads to more problems. For example, “The parent controls the child, making most of the decisions and exerting most of the influence. For the most part, the child complies, although occasional temper tantrums show the child’s dissatisfaction with the one-down role”(p.148).