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Discussion Questions
Chapter 5: Changing Relationships: Stages, Turning Points, and Dialectics
1. What are some of the ways you experience difficulties initiating relationships? What are some of your
“go-to” strategies, skills, or stories to connect with people? Why do you think these strategies, skills, or
stories you share are essential to your relationship formations? Do you think there are some strategies
you could use more effectively? How so?
2. Stage theories of relational development suggest that although there is some variation, most
relationships follow a fairly predictable trajectory. If relationships are constantly changing, in what ways
are your relationships predictable?
3. There are several turning points associated with relationships. What are some turning points you have
experienced? Assuming it was positive, in what ways did the turning point lead to a positive change in
the relationship? Now think about a turning point that did not guide the relationship in a manner you
wanted or expected. In what ways was the turning point negative?
4. Consider Baxter’s dialectical tensions. How would you explain or understand the following statement:
“People can be so open-minded they are actually close-minded”?
5. Given the recent reliance on social media as a relational maintenance tool, why do you think people
are influenced by the simplification of dialectical tensions to “likes” or emoji? What are some of the
problems or challenges in friendships when dialectical tensions are read through social media, texting,
or e-mail?
