April 8-14 (question 1)

1). Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be the most difficult to change? Why? Which would be the most damaging to a relationship? Which would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved?

Out of rigid complementary, competitive symmetry, and submissive symmetry, competitive symmetry would probably be the most difficult for a person to change. According to the book, competitive symmetry is when both members of a relationship fight for the one-up position. I feel that if a person is naturally competitive, its kind of difficult to change that. I think that the most damaging to a relationship would be  rigid complementary. The book states that rigid complementary is when the submissive partner begins to resent always giving in. I feel that resentment can cause major problems to a relationship. One person can do damage both to themselves and their relationship through resentment. Finally, I feel that submissive symmetry would do the most damage to the self esteem and to the individuals involved. This pattern is paradoxical and makes both partners avoid control.