Can a simple test really predict whether a marriage is in trouble?
In a package distributed this week to several local television stations, including WHDH-TV in Boston. Dr. Oren Hernandez, a marriage counselor and a director at the Counseling and Psychological Center of Coral Springs, Fla., talked about just such a test he had developed, consisting of eight, multiple choice questions.
Hernandez says the test is "pretty accurate," but that its real value comes when couples start working through the questions, which raise core issues at the heart of every marriage. By truthfully confronting their personal feelings about these issues, Hernandez says, the couples may get an idea about the long-term survivability of their relationship.
Well, maybe. For what it's worth, here's the test:
Money is the number one cause of arguments?
A) Never
B) Sometimes
C) Always
Do you believe arguing is healthy?
A) Sometimes
B) Always
C) Never
We have trouble communicating?
A) Never
B) Sometimes
C) Always
I'm satisfied with our sex life?
A) Always
B) Sometimes
C) Never
I trust spouse completely?
A) Always
B) Sometimes
C) Never
Taking time for myself in a marriage is important?
A) Always
B) Sometimes
C) Never
I worry my spouse could be unfaithful?
A) Never
B) Sometimes
C) Always
Spirituality is important in our relationship?
A) Always
B) Sometimes
C) Never
To score, count the number of 'A's' you have as answers. A perfect score is all A's.
If you scored between six and eight A's: "That means your relationship is in pretty good shape," says Dr. Hernandez.
A score between four and six. "Then we're talking about something you might want to look at," said Dr. Hernandez.
And four or below: "Definitely question your spouse," says Dr. Hernandez.
|
|