Axiom 4: All Communication is Either Symmetrical or Complementary

     According to Watzlawick, all communication is symmetrical meaning "based on equal power" or complementary which is "based on differences in power" (Griffin 186). In a symmetrical interchange, one individual does not have more dominance than the other. Often times the two individuals excel in different areas and therefore there isn't strong competition against the other. However in complementary interchanges, one person has more control than the other, and the difference in power is accepted and acknowledged. This is the case with parent-child relationships or relationships that are dominant-submissive. These types of relationships that have an unequal distribution of power are sometimes extremely harmful. This can be seen with "toxic friendships" as spoken of in a Seventeen Magazine article that can be read here: Toxic Friends Article. The Seventeen article even contains a picture of Alison DiLaurentis from Pretty Little Liars  (pictured below) to show an example of the typical toxic friend.

    Alison's friendships with Hanna, Aria, and Emily are complementary. She controls the three of them, often forcing them to lie or act in a certain way. Alison thinks she is of higher status in the group than the other girls and often pokes fun at Hanna about her weight and threatens Spencer to get her to do what she wants. However, Spencer doesn't accept this complementary relationship and often uses one-up communication "to gain control of the exchange" (Griffin 186). This move is used in conversation to try to dominate what is being said and is often marked by orders, interruptions, or contradictions. In the following scene, Spencer uses one-up communication to show Ali that she isn't any better than the rest of the girls.

To learn more about the TV Show Pretty Little Liars or to watch more clips and full episodes visit: ABC Family - Pretty Little Liars.