Which type of relationship is characterized by one person being assertive and the other submissive?

The correct answer is that a complementary relationship is characterized by one person being assertive while the other is submissive. In this type of relationship, the dynamics are such that each person plays a different role that complements the other. The assertive individual often takes on leadership or decision-making roles, while the submissive person may tend to follow or support the assertive individual's choices.

This contrast in behavior fosters a dynamic where one partner's strengths balance the other's weaknesses, allowing for a functional interaction despite the inherent inequality in assertiveness. This can manifest in various contexts, including personal relationships, workplace scenarios, and therapeutic settings.

In contrast, reciprocal relationships involve an exchange of roles and responsibilities, where both individuals assert themselves equally. Symmetrical relationships indicate equality in behavior and power dynamics, meaning both individuals are assertive or both are submissive. The term "generic relationship" does not typically convey a specific dynamic related to assertiveness and submissiveness in behavioral contexts.