Relationship Dynamics Terminology

verb to vacillate between two different opinions or attitudes

adjective describing the action of vacillating or being inconsistent

• The committee seems to blow hot and cold on the issue of budget allocation.
• I can never predict how she feels about me, she always blows hot and cold.
• I hate how he blows hot and cold with his friendships, it's so annoying.
• Her emotions towards him seemed to blow hot and cold, never staying constant.

verb to become involved in something, often without intending to

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

• She found herself caught up in the midst of a heated debate during the conference.
• I always get caught up in my favorite TV show and lose track of time.
• He got caught up in all the drama at school and now everyone is talking about it.
• Don't get caught up in the small details, focus on the bigger picture instead.

verb to cause someone to be no longer close or affectionate to someone else

• The political scandal has caused the leader to estrange himself from his closest advisors.
• Ever since the argument, they have been estranged and haven't spoken to each other.
• I heard they had a falling out and now they're totally estranged.
• The artist's abstract painting seemed to estrange some viewers, while others found it captivating.

verb to perform a task or activity without real interest or effort; to go through the motions

• The employees seemed to just go through the motions during the meeting.
• I don't feel like doing anything today, I'll just go through the motions.
• I could tell he was just going through the motions at practice.
• After the loss, she felt like she was just going through the motions of life.

noun a satisfactory compromise between two extremes

adjective being at a satisfactory level or state

• It is important to find a happy medium between work and personal life.
• I try to find a happy medium between saving money and treating myself.
• I like to find the sweet spot, the happy medium, you know what I mean?
• In relationships, it's all about finding the happy medium between giving space and being present.

adjective having no purpose or use; unnecessary

• The lengthy discussion about the color of the new logo seemed rather pointless.
• Why are we even arguing about this? It's so pointless.
• This whole situation is just straight-up pointless.
• Trying to convince him to change his mind is like arguing with a brick wall - pointless.

adjective not showing any affection or warmth; cold or indifferent

• The child's unaffectionate behavior towards his parents concerned the psychologist.
• She's always been unaffectionate with her siblings, but deep down she cares a lot.
• I can't stand how unaffectionate he is, it's like talking to a brick wall.
• The barren desert seemed unaffectionate towards any form of life.