Final answer:
Cal's behavior suggests a relational stage of conflict rather than intimacy, passion, or commitment, as he indicates avoidance despite his ability to engage, which contradicts the elements of consummate love described in Sternberg’s triangular theory of love.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cal's statement "I've been busy with work lately and can't see you," despite actually having plenty of time, illustrates a relational stage that can be inferred as conflict. This is because the statement indicates a discrepancy between Cal's words and his actual situation, suggesting an avoidance of intimacy or a reassessment of the relationship’s direction. According to Sternberg's triangular theory of love, each relationship type—intimacy, passion, and commitment—has distinct characteristics. In such a scenario, Cal may appear to be avoiding the commitment necessary for consummate love, which is a type of love where intimacy, passion, and commitment are all present. The behavior mentioned in Cal’s statement does not align with the concepts of intimacy or passion but rather indicates an underlying issue or a maneuver within the relationship that could lead to or be a result of conflict.