This chapter discusses relational dialectics, which is based on the premise that personal relationships are constantly changing processes. Relational dialectics views social life as a dynamic interplay between opposing tendencies or forces that are interdependent yet negate each other, like a tug-of-war. Contradictions in relationships form when opposing tendencies both unite and negate each other, such as bonding through interdependence with and independence from another person.

1. Chapter 12
Relational Dialects
of Leslie Baxter &
Barbara Montgomery

2.  Relating
is based on the premise that
personal relationships are indeterminate
processes of ongoing flux.

3. Relational Dialectics
 “Social
life is a dynamic knot of
contradictions, a ceaseless interplay
between contrary or opposing
tendencies”

4. Contradiction
Refers to the “dynamic interplay between
unified oppositions”
“Formed whenever 2 tendencies or forces
are interdependent yet mutually negate
one another”
“bonding occurs in both interdependence
with the other and independence from the
other” One without the other diminishes the
relationship

5. TUG-OF-WAR