Carli's Journal

 Reflecting on my family dynamics, particularly with my grandmother, brings to mind some complex feelings about family relationships. Growing up, I observed that my grandmother often showed a preference for her biological grandkids—her daughter's children—over her stepgrandkids, which created a noticeable divide in the family. As my father was her husband's son, I, as a stepgrandchild, was often left out of the special attention and favoritism that my cousins (her biological grandchildren) received. This dynamic aligns with  family communication patterns , a concept discussed in Chapter 12, which emphasizes how families often communicate in ways that reflect their values, expectations, and power structures. My grandmother’s favoritism can be understood through the lens of  bias in family relationships , where biological ties are sometimes seen as more significant or valued than stepfamily connections. These patterns of communication within families can lead to conflict an...

 This week, I had a conversation with my boyfriend that made me reflect on the dynamics in our relationship. We were talking about the balance between spending time together and managing our individual responsibilities. I expressed that I sometimes feel like we need more quality time, while he mentioned that he needs space to focus on his personal goals. This interaction reminded me of  Relational Dialectics Theory , which suggests that romantic relationships are shaped by competing tensions, like  autonomy vs. connection  (Macmillan Learning, 2024). The tension we were experiencing stemmed from the desire for closeness while also needing the freedom to focus on personal tasks. We navigated this tension by discussing our needs openly and coming to a compromise. We agreed to dedicate more time on weekends for activities together but also respect each other's personal space during the week. This approach aligns with the principle of  negotiation  discussed in...

 Today, I took some time to reflect on a relationship maintenance strategies worksheet about my relationship with my partner. This activity helped me deepen my understanding of how we work together to keep our connection strong, even when things get tough. A big takeaway is how open and consistent communication is a cornerstone for us. When we face differences, we both make a conscious effort to listen to each other. We don’t let misunderstandings linger, which prevents small issues from snowballing. Knowing that my partner values my opinions just as I value theirs makes our relationship feel secure and balanced. We've developed a strong mutual respect for each other's space and boundaries. It feels good to know that we both understand the importance of "me time" and encourage each other to pursue personal interests. This balance keeps our relationship healthy and lets us grow individually. Something interesting I realized is that we both lean towards a compromising a...

In observing interpersonal communication, one meaningful scenario involved two colleagues, a woman and a man, who were secretly in a relationship while working in the same department. Although they attempted to keep their relationship concealed, disagreements between them were noticeable and often sparked curiosity or suspicion among the rest of us in the workplace. This situation aligns with the "Grapevine" communication concept, defined as the informal, person-to-person spread of information within an organization, which often relies on assumptions rather than factual communication (Adler & Proctor, 2023). Because the woman and man’s interactions sometimes seemed tense, it left room for speculation and assumptions to develop among other employees. The hidden nature of their relationship and its impact on the workplace highlights how “impression management” can be challenging when trying to balance professional and personal roles.  Impression management, as described in...

 This week at work, I observed a conflict between two coworkers, Alex and Taylor, regarding how to prioritize tasks for an upcoming project. Alex, who has seniority, preferred a fast-paced approach to meet the deadline, while Taylor, an expert on the project's specifics, advocated for a detailed approach that might extend the timeline. The initial interaction was tense, as each tried to assert their perspective without much consideration for the other’s viewpoint. Reflecting on this scenario, I can relate it to Macmillan Learning's concept of "Power Dynamics" (Macmillan, 2022). In this instance, Alex held "legitimate power" due to their position, while Taylor had "expert power," based on their specialized knowledge. These types of power can create friction in collaborative environments when individuals rely on their respective sources of influence without compromise. The chapter also discusses the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) , wh...

 During a team meeting at work, a colleague was asked to give feedback on a project that wasn’t progressing well. Instead of glossing over the issues or giving vague suggestions, they candidly admitted that they were behind schedule because of poor time management and some personal challenges. While this honesty could have been seen as risky in a professional setting, the team responded positively, offering support and solutions to help the colleague get back on track. The honesty set the tone for the rest of the meeting, leading to more open and constructive dialogue among the team members. This scenario emphasizes the importance of honesty in professional relationships. In many workplace environments, there’s a tendency to avoid difficult conversations or admissions of fault, especially in group settings. However, as seen here, transparent communication about mistakes or struggles can create a more supportive and understanding atmosphere. The colleague’s willingness to be upfront...