What Wendy & Josh experienced is best described as a(n)...

• A. integrative agreement
• B. dialectic
• C. compromise
• D. structural improvement

Answer: (C)

Compromise happens when both people make concessions to reach a middle ground in a disagreement. Wendy and Josh would be in a compromise if they each gave up a preference to find a solution that works for both, even if neither gets exactly what they wanted. This shows mutual give-and-take and helps preserve the relationship by avoiding a won-lose outcome.

This differs from an integrative agreement, where the goal is to find a solution that fully satisfies both needs or creates extra value for both. It also differs from a dialectic, which focuses on balancing ongoing tensions between opposing desires over time rather than locking in a specific middle-ground resolution. And it’s not about changing the overall structure of how they handle decisions unless they explicitly agree to new routines as part of the resolution, which would be a different kind of change.

So, if they reached a plan that partially met both of their preferences through mutual concessions, that best fits compromise.