Handout 2: Problem-solving Chart for Couples
Part of Principled Commitment
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 |
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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: ________________________________________
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