With a group of classmates, interview several people to answer the following questions about a particular relationship:

a. Is your relational style of handling conflict generally complementary or symmetrical? What are the consequences of this approach?

b. Would any of your conflicts be considered serial arguments? How do you handle these ongoing conflicts? How could you argue more constructively?

c. Have you experienced any of Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” during conflict? If so, which ones? What has been the result?

d. What conflict rituals do you follow in this relationship?

Are these rituals functional or dysfunctional? What might be better alternatives? Do gender and cultural background shape how you and your relational partners deal with conflict? If so, how?