Core Patterns tend to manifest as predictable, cyclical behavior patterns. Below is the pattern common to relationships where partners have the Vacillator + Pleaser Love Styles, respectively.
The Vacillator’s anxiety/tension begin to build.
The Vacillator vents their frustration and anxiety, assuming their partner’s intent is to hurt them.
The Pleaser panics/freezes. They may lie to avoid further conflict, or try to minimize the complaints or put a positive spin on them. The Pleaser believes that the Vacillator should be satisfied by their “niceness” and appreciate all their efforts to please.
The Vacillator feels dismissed & misunderstood. They want “real” not “nice”; truth, not lies. The Vacillator escalates, protesting angrily.
Anxious about Vacillator’s anger, the Pleaser scurries to do nice things to appease the Vacillator and stem the anger; but does so while avoiding the problem.
The Vacillator feels abandoned, which intensifies their feelings. Strong language might be used, they may threaten to leave or divorce. Internally, they begin to devalue their partner and, over time, may feel contempt and disgust for them.
The Pleaser's anxiety intensifies and they become frantic. They feel dejected, thinking “I can never do it right!”
Ultimately, the Vacillator's anxiety is relieved through anger. They may express their displeasure by pouting or sulking. Privately, however, they will review the event and assign motives and intentions to the Pleaser's actions. Eventually, they may privately feel regret over their anger and/or words, resulting in shame. These painful feels are processed privately and rarely shared keeping the Vacillator stuck in a cycle of difficult emotions.
The Pleaser waits for the Vacillator to re-engage, and is relieved when they finally do. The Pleaser redoubles their efforts to please, in the hopes of avoiding another outburst.
This cycle repeats preventing emotional connection and making resolution difficult.
This Audio file and PDF provides an in-depth look at Vacillator-Pleaser Core Pattern. It includes a circular diagram of this Core Pattern, explanations of each step around the cycle and and all applicable interventions to exit this destructive dance.