Question

What is an example of a withdrawal from someone's emotional bank account?

A)Costumes are needed for your neighbor's dance recital, so you volunteer to help the seamstress measure everyone.
B)Even though you must wake up earlier than usual, you agree to meet your friend each morning for a week so you can study for an exam.
C)You are sick with strep throat and go to a crowded movie, blow your nose, cough, and sneeze on your friends around you.
D)Your grandma loves pecan pie, so you make a deal with her favorite baker to clean the shop for four Saturdays in exchange for a pie.

Answer 1

An example of a withdrawal from an emotional bank account is when you act inconsiderately towards your friends by exposing them to your illness, thus imposing more costs than benefits in the relationship. Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of a withdrawal from someone's emotional bank account would be scenario C) You are sick with strep throat and go to a crowded movie, blow your nose, cough, and sneeze on your friends around you. This example represents a negative action that decreases the goodwill and mutual respect in a relationship, similar to how a financial withdrawal decreases an account balance. Such an action could be seen as inconsiderate and may impose a 'cost' on your friends, possibly making them sick and likely leading to a negative impact on how they view the relationship with you.

In social exchanges, individuals are motivated to maximize benefits and minimize costs. When the actions of one individual impose more costs than benefits on the other, it deteriorates the relationship, similar to a withdrawal. In contrast, scenarios A, B, and D depict deposits into one's emotional bank account, where one party is contributing positively or reciprocating in a relationship.