All three ego structures function in a world of personalities continually communicating or transacting with one another. Transactions are simply communicated stimuli and their corresponding responses. A transacted stimulus and response may be something as simple as, "Did you see the big game yesterday?"
A typical response may be, "Yes, it was a real barn-burner". This may be labeled as a Reciprocal or Complementary Transaction in which both parties are communicating from an Adult Ego state.This may cause the first person to respond with a Critical Parent ego criticism of, "You're just a goody two-shoes who doesn't know how to relax and have a good time". This may also be a criticism or opinion they heard repeatedly from a parent or care giver. Therefore, both are channeling transactions to different sources, rather than responding in the present moment from a mature, Adult Ego structure that is able to openly and respectfully consider all the data.
The calm, cool, collected demeanor of Joan comes from the ability to continually learn and integrate new data into present experience. This awareness, respect, and openness to learning allows one to think and respond as an autonomous individual, rather than one who is held hostage to past messages and injunctions. This is the desired goal and expression of the Adult Ego structure.
(continued from part I)