Terry and Pat have been in a committed romantic relationship for five years. Increased conflict has characterized their relationship recently. Both have become less invested in the relationship and have sought out others to fulfill some of their needs for affection, inclusion, and control. They don’t rely on each other much or expect much from each other. The couple’s choices reflect which of the five features that contribute to destructive conflict?
A) Escalatory spirals
B) Avoidance spirals
C) Retaliation
D) Inflexibility and rigidity

Even though there has been an increase in conflict between Terry and Pat, they have each chosen to avoid addressing their concerns with one another. This is generally caused by beliefs that conflict is bad or the individuals feel nervous about the consequences of addressing the conflict. Neither of them may fully understand that conflict is a normal part of relationships. If not addressed, it can result a decrease in communication between the parties and less commitment to maintaining the relationship.