Choose one of these dialectics, and then describe how the dialectic is expressed in your friendships, romantic relationships, and family relationships.

Cite any resources at the bottom as follows: Wood, J. (2020). Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters (9th ed). Boston MA: Cengage Learning.

Question 1: Pick a show or a movie that you have never seen before (on TV, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video….). Select a dialog between two or more people. Turn the volume off. Watch the interaction between them. When a scene involving other people begins, you may stop watching.

Make sure the scene you pick from the movie or show is long enough for you to observe with some depth. After you observe the conversation between these two people, answer the following question:

What is the nature of the relationship between these two people? What examples can you cite to demonstrate how you reached that conclusion?

Your answer can address such things as how long you think they’ve known each other; whether they are boss and subordinate, friends, or in a romantic relationship; whether they are getting along or annoyed at each other; if they are enjoying their time together; having a serious conversation; etc.

Essentially, tell me as much as you can about what you’ve surmised about their relationship based solely on watching them. Use textbook references and cite to strengthen your position.

Question 2: Your textbook describes three relational dialectics: Autonomy/connection Novelty/predictability Openness/closeness.

Part 1: Choose one of these dialectics, and then describe how the dialectic is expressed in your friendships, romantic relationships, and family relationships.

Part 2: What are some things you can do to manage the tension these dialectics create?