Examining difficult conversations and transitional identities through Relational Liminality Theory

Framed by Relational Liminality Theory (RLT), the present study explores difficult conversations as sites for identity negotiation during times of relational change and challenge. Specifically, this study focuses on the liminal period between the “before” and the “after” of upheaval to understand how familial and romantic partners make sense of relational transitions. Analysis of in-depth, semistructured interviews with 110 individuals who represent a broad scope of ethnic-racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and ages illuminates how difficult conversations simultaneously serve as both engines of sensemaking and triggering events. Results reveal three suprathemes: (a) difficult conversations as liminal relational events, (b) making sense of relational liminality, and (c) difficult conversations as sites for relational struggle and strength. Results support RLT’s heuristic value toward examining how partners live within prolonged periods of relational transition and navigate instabilities of betweenness.