Question

marcus and tanya have been dating for six months. recently, theyve started having more disagreements, with marcus wanting to spend more time with his friends while tanya prefers they spend weekends together. marcus has started using \i\ statements more often instead of \we\ when discussing future plans. which relationship stage does this scenario most likely represent? (options: circumscribing, differentiating, stagnating, avoiding)

Explanation:

In relationship development, the "Differentiating" stage involves partners starting to emphasize individual needs, preferences, and identities instead of the couple's unity. Marcus wanting time with friends (vs. Tanya’s preference for togetherness) and using "I" over "we" for future plans shows a shift toward individualism, matching Differentiating. Circumscribing is about reducing communication, Stagnating is a standstill, and Avoiding is distancing—none fit as well.

Answer:

B. Differentiating