Symmetrical and Complementary Relationships
Jan 22, 2017 20:14:49 GMT -5
Rhapsodee, Isabellas39, and 6 more like this
Post by GeekGoddess on Jan 22, 2017 20:14:49 GMT -5
My oldest step-daughter is in college but is not that confident in her grammar skills and writing so I get to read really interesting stuff, & connect with her, by volunteering to help with proofreading and editing.
Last semester, she had an class that required journal entry writings and this one particular one struck me - I asked her if I could post it (here) and she asked me to wait until she got her grades. This week when I spoke to her, she said I can post that now (I felt bad I had forgotten it in the meantime) and she sent me the definition for background as well as her journal reflections.
I would say that at one point, my H and I did have a complementary relationship but when "life happened" and too many unresolved conflicts piled up (somewhere between years 7 & 10 of the marriage), that is when ours turned into a symmetrical one.
For your consideration:
Definition of Symmetrical and Complementary Relationships
Interpersonal relationships can be either symmetrical or complementary. Symmetrical relationships have little variation in the way each person reacts to their partner’s actions or comments. Essentially, the partners emulate each other by giving the same feedback. Therefore the relationship between the two is equal, with small differences. This type of relationship is monotonous in nature. A symmetrical relationship can be extremely positive or negative warm and caring or cold and hurtful. A complementary relationship is just that, complementary. When both partners have enough differences between them, it creates variety in the way they react with each other, do to their diverse strengths and weaknesses. This type of relationship is diverse in nature. A truly complementary relationship is positive in nature.
Interpersonal Relationships Journal Reflection
I have experienced both Symmetrical and Complementary intimate relationships.
In my symmetrical relationship, my significant other liked to argue, but there was never a resolution. I believe he just wanted to argue to prove that he was always right. This relationship lasted for ten years, so you can imagine how frustrating and irritating his behavior became. Finally, I reached a point where I would either stop arguing with him and state that I was done, or I would just walk away. I often wondered if he thought that my actions provided him with the satisfaction that he was right.
My complementary relationships have been completely opposite. When there was an argument, which rarely occurred, my significant other and I would state our points and there would be a discussion ultimately resolving in the acceptance of either one or the other’s point, or a compromise. In my experience, this type of relationship is the healthiest and most satisfying.
Last semester, she had an class that required journal entry writings and this one particular one struck me - I asked her if I could post it (here) and she asked me to wait until she got her grades. This week when I spoke to her, she said I can post that now (I felt bad I had forgotten it in the meantime) and she sent me the definition for background as well as her journal reflections.
I would say that at one point, my H and I did have a complementary relationship but when "life happened" and too many unresolved conflicts piled up (somewhere between years 7 & 10 of the marriage), that is when ours turned into a symmetrical one.
For your consideration:
Definition of Symmetrical and Complementary Relationships
Interpersonal relationships can be either symmetrical or complementary. Symmetrical relationships have little variation in the way each person reacts to their partner’s actions or comments. Essentially, the partners emulate each other by giving the same feedback. Therefore the relationship between the two is equal, with small differences. This type of relationship is monotonous in nature. A symmetrical relationship can be extremely positive or negative warm and caring or cold and hurtful. A complementary relationship is just that, complementary. When both partners have enough differences between them, it creates variety in the way they react with each other, do to their diverse strengths and weaknesses. This type of relationship is diverse in nature. A truly complementary relationship is positive in nature.
Interpersonal Relationships Journal Reflection
I have experienced both Symmetrical and Complementary intimate relationships.
In my symmetrical relationship, my significant other liked to argue, but there was never a resolution. I believe he just wanted to argue to prove that he was always right. This relationship lasted for ten years, so you can imagine how frustrating and irritating his behavior became. Finally, I reached a point where I would either stop arguing with him and state that I was done, or I would just walk away. I often wondered if he thought that my actions provided him with the satisfaction that he was right.
My complementary relationships have been completely opposite. When there was an argument, which rarely occurred, my significant other and I would state our points and there would be a discussion ultimately resolving in the acceptance of either one or the other’s point, or a compromise. In my experience, this type of relationship is the healthiest and most satisfying.
