Change is never good...

Out of all the patterns, rigid complementary, competitive symmetry, and submissive symmetry, the most difficult to change in a relationship would have to be competitive symmetry. My belief is based off of logical standpoint as well as personal experience. One reason why symmetry would be the hardest to change is because each person usually seems to be the controlling type, so it just seems that they butt heads too much. They both want it to go their way and most of the time they aren't really up for change either, in the way of them controlling each and every situation. Another reason is because over time one person in the relationship will be fed up of not being able to control situations. That is from a personal experience, it may not be in every situation though. When it comes to individual feelings, out of all three I believe submissive symmetry would be the most damaging in terms of the individuals self esteem. Mostly because it is always a struggle to be in control, so they must seem confused.