Terry and Pat have been in a committed romantic relationship for the last five years. Both an increased intensity and frequency of conflict have characterized their relationship. Recently both of them have become less invested in the relationship and have sought out others to fulfill some of their needs for affection, inclusion, and control. Basically, they don't rely on each other for much and have come to expect less and less from each other. Terry and Pat's choices reflect which of the five features that contribute to destructive conflict.

a.Escalatory spirals
b.Avoidance spirals
c.Retaliation Inflexibility and
d.regidity