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

Handout 2: Problem-solving Chart for Couples

Below is a sample problem-solving chart. A couple used this chart to help solve their problem of what to do during an upcoming week off. First they came up with a list of interests that each of them would like to see reflected in their time off. They listed these interests down the left side of the chart. Then they identified three options and listed them across the top. Finally, they filled in the chart to evaluate how well each option would satisfy each interest.

 

Options

Interests

Work on home repair & garden

Go to country inn together

Go on canoe trip with kids & Lee family

Fun

Low

Medium

High

Intimacy

Low

High

Medium

Saving money

High

Low

Medium

Time with friends

Low

Low

High

Time with family

Medium

Low

High

Romance

Low

High

Low

Relaxation

Low

High

Medium

       

Charts can also include indications of how much each interest matters to each partner. For example, "time with friends" might be something that one partner wants while the other doesn't.

Here you can create your own chart.

Problem to be solved: ________________________________________

 
   

Options

Interests