The Wedding Fight
- Diagram the conflict triangle for this conflict.
Be sure to use the appropriate symbols to represent conflict dyads, high/low power, ally, and/or isolate, etc.
Below the diagram, write a brief justification, explanation or rationale for your diagram(s)/symbols. - Diagram the coalitions for this case. Read Interaction Rules (p.248) and identify the “rules” in this conversation/relationship. According to Shimanoff’s (p.248) format, write at least five rules you think Kyle and Kelly should formulate for future conflicts.
Below the diagram, write a brief justification, explanation or rationale for your diagram(s).
1
Rev S17
“The Wedding Fight”
Background
Kyle and Kelly have been dating for three years. They’ve recently become engaged and are
planning their upcoming wedding (1 month away).
Kelly: Hey, guess what. We got our invitations today. We can write
up our final list and mail them out this weekend.
Kyle: I thought you were doing that.
Kelly: You thought I was doing that? You always say you’re going to
help, but when it actually comes down to it, you don’t. Or should I
say won’t.
Kyle: You know it’s finals, and I have to study. I just don’t have
the time.
Kelly: So what do you think I’ve been doing, sitting on my backside?
Besides, since when did YOU decide to become a serious student?
Kyle: (under his breath) Here we go again. More like my mother every
day.
Kelly: Why don’t you say it loud enough so I can hear it? What
exactly is that supposed to mean anyway? Maybe I wouldn’t have to act
like your mother if you didn’t act like such a child!
Kyle: Well, somebody’s gotta relax around here. You’re so uptight,
and I don’t just mean about the wedding invitations.
Kelly: What do you mean, uptight?
Kyle: Cold, totally disconnected.
Kelly: How am I cold?
Kyle: Like it takes a genius to figure it out.
Kelly: You don’t care about this wedding at all. Do you even care
about me at all?
Kyle: That’s ridiculous. You’re right—-I couldn’t care less about the
wedding. It’s the wedding night I’m worried about.
Kelly: Oh my God, I can’t believe this is about sex. I’m talking
invitations and you’re talking sex. That’s all you care about. Well,
sex and football. I don’t know if I’m madder about the wedding or the
stupid football games we go to every single week, Mr. Serious College
Student. You have plenty of time for that.
2
Rev S17
Kyle: What do you mean—We haven’t gone the last two weekends because
of all this wedding planning.
Kelly: (sarcastically) Well, aren’t you the perfect martyr. You’ve
given up so much for me. I’m impressed!
Kyle: (exasperated, but resigned) You know what—just tell me what to
do and I’ll do it. I’ll write the stupid invitations.
Kelly: You could start by picking out your tux.
Kyle. I did. You didn’t like it. Big shocker there.
Kelly: What do you expect me to say about a white tux—nobody wears
white tuxes anymore.
Kyle: Well, I like it, and that’s what I’m going to wear.
Kelly: Oh, come on. You’re not really going to wear that. Even your
Mom said you should wear something more serious. Black would be
better.
Kyle: Are we planning for a wedding, or a funeral?
Instructions
After reading the chapter(s), analyze the sample dialogue. In your analysis, you must incorporate
ideas, concepts, and theory from the chapter(s) to support your thoughts, answers, and/or
rationales. This way, you can demonstrate your understanding of the readings and key concepts.
1. Diagram the conflict triangle for this conflict.
a. Be sure to use the appropriate symbols to represent conflict dyads, high/low power,
ally, and/or isolate, etc.
b. Below the diagram, write a brief justification, explanation or rationale for your
diagram(s)/symbols.
2. Diagram the coalitions for this case.
a. Below the diagram, write a brief justification, explanation or rationale for your
diagram(s).
3. Read Interaction Rules (p.238) and identify the “rules” in this conversation/relationship.
According to Shimanoff’s (p.238) format, write at least five rules you think Kyle and Kelly
should formulate for future conflicts.