Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: Principled Commitment: An Adult Program on Building Strong Relationships

Activity 3: Playing With Principle

Activity time: 20 minutes

Materials for Activity

Description of Activity

Share these or similar words with participants:

Playing together as a couple can be tremendously bonding. However, unfair play, such as hurtful teasing and ridicule, can damage relationships. How can we bring the spirit of play into our relationships in a principled manner, one that honors the Unitarian Universalist Principles we seek to uphold in Principled Commitment?

Ask participants to brainstorm a list of guidelines for "principled play" between partners. Take notes on newsprint.

After the newsprint sheet has been filled or the group is finished with ideas, ask participants:

  • What are some ways you can remind yourself or your partner about these guidelines? Can these reminders be playful in and of themselves?

Distribute Handout 1, Playing with Principle. Explain that the handout offers questions for partners to ask themselves when interacting playfully around sensitive issues. You can review and discuss the handout with participants or ask them to review it at home.