Is Your Relationship Sinking?

However, differences don’t have to mean death for a relationship. The key is how you deal with those differences. Wallace explains, “If there is a lot of disagreement in a relationship, the solution does not reside in just problem solving skills. It resides in the way the couple does the process. It has to do with the way they regard each other and support each other. What leads to problem resolution is the quality of the relationship, the regarding for each other, the appreciation and admiration.”

Take the Test
How do you know if your relationship is committing the four deadly sins? Take this quiz to find out:

Your boyfriend invites you to his parents’ 25^th anniversary party. Your family uses any special occasion to dress to the nines so you wear your skintight Bebe cocktail dress. He picks you up in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops. He says:

1. Wow, you look fantastic! Let’s sneak in a quickie before we go.
2. You look beautiful. I must have forgotten to tell you it’s casual. Why don’t you wear that sarong thing?
3. Go change. My parents will think you’re auditioning for Brittany Spears’ back-up band.

Your girlfriend comes over to your place to study. She’s an honor student and you’re struggling to get through British Lit in Old English. You ask her for help. She:

1. Acts out the entire scene -- playing all the characters with costumes and a perfect accent.
2. Gets out her old notes from the same class and goes over it with you.
3. Is shocked by the admission that you need help and condescendingly suggests you pick up the Cliff Notes at the bookstore.

You have plans to catch the last showing of Scary Movie 2. He shows up late smelling like a brewery. You confront him:

1. He starts crying and begs your forgiveness.
2. He apologizes and promises to make it up to you, explaining that     he lost track of time while watching the game with his buddies.
3. He accuses you of smothering him.

He wants to take a cross-country camping trip with you this summer. You’re not sure if the relationship is serious enough yet to warrant the necessary commitment, both financial and emotional, for a vacation together. You: