Although there are many different kinds of relationships, marriage and family counselors tend to sort couples into two categories of relationships style:
Complementary
Symmetrical
In some ways, every relationship can be described as either complementary or symmetrical. A complementary style means that "two parts make the whole.", Each partner in the relationship has separate areas that are exclusively his or her domain, and together that division of responsibility covers all the bases.
A symmetrical style of relationship, on the other hand, refers to the style of relationship in which both partners view themselves as equal partners in the relationship. Either partner may take on virtually any of the roles in the relationship, depending on the situation.
What is the balance of complementary and symmetrical styles in your relationship? Let's see:
Note: Scores are rounded to one decimal place and therefore may not total 100%
You scored 70% Symmetrical Style
Remember, the symmetrical style of relationship refers to a kind of equal partnership in which each partner is available to do any or all of the tasks of maintaining everyday life. The symmetrical style has the advantage of keeping life interesting -- you never know in advance who is going to do what. Each situation is a new opportunity. This style has the disadvantage of making life unpredictable -- every new challenge can involve a decision or debate about who is going to take the initiative.
For more relationship advice and insight, check out the following resources:
Take the Love Compatibility Quiz
Get expert advice from the Dating Doyenne
Find advice and information from Dr. Patti, the Sex Coach at iVillage.com
You scored 30% Complementary Style
Remember, the complementary style refers to a real division of labor and responsibility. For some couples, this is self-evident. It is obvious to them who works and who manages the home; who cooks and who pays the bills. On the one hand, this style of relationship has the advantage of being comfortable and predictable -- each person knows their role and their job within the relationship. On the other hand, this style has the disadvantage of being, well, predictable. Sometimes the roles may be so clearly separated that the partners grow to feel trapped in their respective roles and unable to ask the other for input or assistance.
Complementary
Symmetrical
In some ways, every relationship can be described as either complementary or symmetrical. A complementary style means that "two parts make the whole.", Each partner in the relationship has separate areas that are exclusively his or her domain, and together that division of responsibility covers all the bases.
A symmetrical style of relationship, on the other hand, refers to the style of relationship in which both partners view themselves as equal partners in the relationship. Either partner may take on virtually any of the roles in the relationship, depending on the situation.
What is the balance of complementary and symmetrical styles in your relationship? Let's see:
Note: Scores are rounded to one decimal place and therefore may not total 100%
You scored 70%
Symmetrical Style
Remember, the symmetrical style of relationship refers to a kind of equal partnership in which each partner is available to do any or all of the tasks of maintaining everyday life. The symmetrical style has the advantage of keeping life interesting -- you never know in advance who is going to do what. Each situation is a new opportunity. This style has the disadvantage of making life unpredictable -- every new challenge can involve a decision or debate about who is going to take the initiative.
For more relationship advice and insight, check out the following resources:
Take the Love Compatibility Quiz
Get expert advice from the Dating Doyenne
Find advice and information from Dr. Patti, the Sex Coach at iVillage.com
You scored 30%
Complementary Style
Remember, the complementary style refers to a real division of labor and responsibility. For some couples, this is self-evident. It is obvious to them who works and who manages the home; who cooks and who pays the bills. On the one hand, this style of relationship has the advantage of being comfortable and predictable -- each person knows their role and their job within the relationship. On the other hand, this style has the disadvantage of being, well, predictable. Sometimes the roles may be so clearly separated that the partners grow to feel trapped in their respective roles and unable to ask the other for input or assistance.
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