Comm 105-rigid role relations

 I think the most difficult pattern to change or deal with is the competitive symmetry pattern.  Its hard to get in an argument and not bring up a list of what the other person has done even when it doesn't have to do with the particular topic you are arguing about.  Both parties try to bring up some facts that top the other's claims and hopefully get the one-up on them thus ceasing the other parties' argument.  It's kind of unfortunate that this happens a lot because it can cause people to forget what they were trying to address in the first place.

I also think that this pattern is the most damaging to a relationship.  In considering the random comments that may rise and make their way into the conversation, these comments may be inflamed, derrogatory remarks that have no positive effect on the conversation.  It all becomes about making the other person feel worse than the other.  Like our book states, dominance becomes the main theme in relationships.  When people in a relationship say something that they may not be able to take back, it affects the relationship negatively.  The perception of that person is changed and it may take time to return back to the way it was, if possible.  People's feelings would definitely get attacked as well as their self esteem.