Question

Lisa wants some time alone because she feels a need to get in touch with herself as an individual. However, she also feels the need to share experiences with her partner, Bob, and cherishes the time they spend together. Which relational dialectic does the tension these different needs are generating within Lisa illustrate which relational dialectic?

Answer 1

Answer: Autonomy/connection

Explanation: Lisa wants free time that she can devote to herself out of the need for autonomy, but she also wants quality time with her boyfriend, out of a need for connection. Thus the relational dialectic of autonomy / connection creates a tension between these two different and opposing but equally important needs for Lisa. In fact, Lisa is dedicated to both needs with the same intensity, and this is where the tension arises.