Question

Shelly and Lincoln have been married for two years. Shelly loves surprises, and she wants to throw a surprise party celebrating Lincoln’s recent promotion at work. However, Lincoln is more schedule-oriented, and Shelly is worried if he’ll welcome the surprise. In this scenario, which of the following relational dialectics plays a role?
(A) Openness/closedness
(B) Novelty/openness
(C) Autonomy/connection
(D) Novelty/predictability

Answer 1

Answer: the correct answer is D. Novelty/predictability.

Explanation:

Relational dialectics is an interpersonal communication theory about close personal bonds and relationships that highlights the issues, struggles and interplay between contrary tendencies. This theory, proposed respectively by Leslie Baxter and Barbara Montgomery in 1988, defines communication frameworks between relationship partners as the result of never ending dialectical tensions.  The dialect is, in this case, novelty/predictability since Shelly has taken a novel action and Lincoln is predictable in the sense that he is schedule-oriented.