During the analysis of two personal relationships, the Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) and Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT) were able to provide a deeper understanding of the connections made with Eduardo Oyadomari, a significant other and coworker, as well as Madison Roscoe, just an acquaintance. Both theories focus on different aspects of relational communication, like Uncertainty Reduction Theory explores how uncertainty may lead to different comfort levels in casual versus close relationships, while Relational Dialectics Theory explores how tensions can shape the relationship in different ways in casual versus close relationships. By applying URT and RDT, the analysis will compare these two relational theories across our two subjects, …show more content…
When uncertainty is high, people seek more information from others through questions and observing habits. Ultimately though, URT suggests that establishing comfort and predictability can help relationships progress, eliminating uncertainty (West & Turner, 2024). Relational Dialectics Theory (RDT), as West and Turner (2024) emphasize the tension in relationships from conflicting desires or expectations. The authors explain that relationships are not static, but are always in a constant state of motion, or changing through different conflicts. However, RDT also goes on to suggest that a relationship can have coexisting desires, where privacy and openness are both equal. Although the tension is never fully resolved, you can only strive for this balance through communication within the relationship. This balancing act creates a struggle among multiple discourses, oftentimes being competitive, that influence how partners interact and shape the relationship over time. Furthering the theory analysis, Relational Dialectics Theory 2.0 (RDT 2.0) expands on these thoughts by considering the influences behind these discourses, such as cultural and