Examples Of Interlational Dialectics Theory

The relational dialectics theory (RDT) can be best understood as all the ups and downs people face in relationships and how they are resolved. RDT consist of three major parts, autonomy vs. connectedness, novelty vs. predictability, and openness and closedness. RDT is commonly handled by four methods, selection, separation, neutralization, and reframing. The relational dialectics theory generally, "involve experiencing tensions based on contradictory needs" (Wahl, A. Edwards, Myers & C. Edwards, 2015). According to The Communication Age textbook, (Wahl et al. , 2015) autonomy and connectedness is defines as, "A basic human need, but connection with others is also necessary." (p. 175) My boyfriend and I spend an ample amount of time together however, there are often times when I like to be alone or just spend time with my good friends and go out and have fun. He is very understanding …show more content…
Yet, he did not approve of me going out with my friends (because of the certain crowd I hung around at this point). This irritated me a quite a bit, because if he could go out with his friends, I should be able to do the same with mine. I brought this to his attention and we discussed how occasionally we both just need some alone time. After talking it over we found a compromise. Instead of disconnecting ourselves from our friends completely , we were to spend an equal amount of time with each other as well as our friends to satisfy us both . He enjoys spending time with his friends just as much as I enjoy spending time with mine. Research by Slotter, Duffy, & Gardner (2014) shows , "Just as individuals negotiate their social identities within groups to satisfy both affiliation and distinctiveness needs, individuals in romantic relationships strive to balance similar needs at the dyadic level." Moreover, that is exactly what we did. We have come to an understanding and found a balance for the two of