Comparing relationships with unicycles seems strange or improbable, but the constant search for balance against opposing forces is a perfect description of Relational Dialectics Theory (Griffin, 2009 ). Interpersonal communication specialist Barbara Montgomery describes riding a unicycle as a task of contradictory forces, constantly pulling against each other in a tug-of-war motion. The best way to control the wheel is to constantly change your movement, adapting in one way or another, to maintain control of the fall (Griffin). When Montgomery and Baxter began researching interpersonal relationships, they were surprised by the reactions they discovered. their interviews (Griffin, 2009). They discovered multiple truths in many of the stories participants told. The stories people were telling didn't even make sense because the narrators were constantly contradicting themselves (Griffin). Baxter and Montgomery argue that “social life is a dynamic knot of contradictions, an incessant interaction between contrary or opposing tendencies” (Griffin, 2009, p.154). This article is consistent with Baxter and Montgomery's explanation of relational dialectics. Additionally, this article expands on the fact that Baxter and Montgomery's ability to assert that relationships seek balance is the key element. Balance is vital in relational dialectics because it produces positive results and is the reason contradictions arise. This article will examine the main components of relational dialectics theory, the current literature that supports this argument, and future applications of the research (Griffin).SummarySome people may view conflict or a fight as a warning sign in relationships or a “red flag”. » that it won't last. How...... middle of article ......relational dialectic theory. The Journal of Family Communication, 4(3&4), 181-192.Griffin, E. (2009). Relational dialectics. A first look at communication theory (7th ed., pp. 154-167). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Loveless, M., Powers, W., & Jordan, W. (2008). Apprehension of communication with dating partner, self-disclosure and first big fight. Human Communication, 11(1), 231-240.Prentice, C. (2009). Relational dialectics between in-laws. Journal of Family Communication, 9, 67-89. Sahlstein, E. and Dun, T. (2008). “I wanted time for myself and he wanted to be together all the time”: Constructing breakups as managing autonomy-connection. Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, 9(1), 37-45.Zhang, S., & Stafford, L. (2009). Relational ramifications of honest but hurtful evaluative messages in close relationships. Western Journal of Communication, 73(4), 481-501.