ABSTRACT
TOWARD DIALOGUE: DIFFERENTIATION FROM AND FUSION WITH
Identity Challenges of Early Adulthood
Thus far in our discussions, we have followed development from abilities to use contrast to dichotomous constructs to dialectical tensions. In preparing to examine adult development, we must return to the notion of dialogue. Rumi reminded us that our natural tendency is to find other in self and to find self in other, and he concluded that our connection to others is always there but we must come to realize it. What we must do first is to know the self; to fully realize identity. Next, we must recognize other as both same as and different from self. Only then may we begin to think and speak in true dialogue; to appreciate our dialogic nature-the pulsing push-pull energy within and between us.64
