Instructions: For the following items, please describe, in your perception, how things are currently handled and how you would like them to be handled. What is your philosophy about who should do what? Who generally does what (you, your partner, or fairly shared as you’d like)? Are things shared as you would like them to be, or could things be closer to your ideal?
First, go through each point individually. Second, discuss the similarities, differences, and your needs with your partner. Take turns to make sure the conversation is balanced between you both.
*It is equally as important to discuss both the similarities and the differences. Why? To figure out the struggles, you have to also know what is going well! Use your strengths to your advantage!
HOME
1. Running errands:
Now:
Ideal:
2. Home maintenance:
Now:
Ideal:
3. Home repairs:
Now:
Ideal:
4. Planning the food for the week:
Now:
Ideal:
5. Cooking dinner:
Now:
Ideal:
6. Cleaning up after dinner:
Now:
Ideal:
7. Cleaning the bathrooms:
Now:
Ideal:
8. General tidying up:
Now:
Ideal:
9. Getting the car serviced:
Now:
Ideal:
10. Doing yard or garden work:
Now:
Ideal:
11. Doing the laundry:
Now:
Ideal:
12. Taking out the garbage:
Now:
Ideal:
FINANCE
1. Paying bills:
Now:
Ideal:
2. Saving money:
Now:
Ideal:
3. Oversee bank accounts:
Now:
Ideal:
4. Arranging financial planning:
Now:
Ideal:
5. Managing investments:
Now:
Ideal:
6. Doing the taxes:
Now:
Ideal:
7. Handling legal matters (i.e. wills, insurance):
Now:
Ideal:
ROMANCE, DATES, AND RECREATIONAL
1. Planning travel:
Now:
Ideal:
2. Preparing for holidays:
Now:
Ideal:
3. Arranging romantic dates:
Now:
Ideal:
4. Arranging weekend plans:
Now:
Ideal:
5. Planning quiet evenings at home:
Now:
Ideal:
6. Initiating lovemaking:
Now:
Ideal:
7. Talking about the relationship:
Now:
Ideal:
8. Keeping in touch with friends:
Now:
Ideal:
9. Overseeing exercise and fitness:
Now:
Ideal:
FAMILY
1. Attending kid’s special events (i.e. school performances or birthday parties):
Now:
Ideal:
2. Buying children’s gifts:
Now:
Ideal:
3. Taking children to school or daycare:
Now:
Ideal:
4. Picking children up from school or daycare:
Now:
Ideal:
5. Preparing children before they leave (getting dressed, preparing meals, etc.):
Now:
Ideal:
6. Spending time with children:
Now:
Ideal:
7. Taking children to medical appointments:
Now:
Ideal:
8. Supervising child’s baths:
Now:
Ideal:
9. Preparing for bedtime:
Now:
Ideal:
10. Carrying out discipline:
Now:
Ideal:
From here, talk about the similarities, differences, and your needs. To do this effectively, make sure the conversation is balanced between partners. If you get too heated, it’s required that you take a break!
Embark on a journey with me into the core of navigating power dynamics in relationships through my latest blog post, “Exercise: Negotiating Power.”
This exploration dives deep into the essential ways we manage and negotiate responsibilities within our partnerships. It’s not about placing ourselves into rigid categories but about uncovering our inherent approaches to sharing power and responsibilities.
In this blog, I unfold the intricate dance between asserting our needs and finding common ground for mutual respect and understanding. Drawing from personal experiences and evidence-based practices, I help you discern whether you’re someone who actively seeks to balance power through negotiation, or if you tend to concede more often in pursuit of harmony. Each entry is crafted to offer you insights and tools to better comprehend your negotiation style and its influence on your relationship.
Stay Connected and Enlightened:
For further insights on mastering the art of power negotiation and strategies for aligning your approach with your partner’s, explore my social media and digital platforms:
- Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToolsForUs/
- Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecouplesworkshop/
- Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toolsforus/
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@toolsforus]
Your Perspectives Are Invaluable:
Your observations and experiences are pivotal. They deepen the conversation around negotiation styles and relationship dynamics. If you have thoughts on power negotiation, stories of how understanding your approach has reshaped your relationship, or reflections on the blog post “Exercise: Negotiating Power,” please share them. Your contributions are vital in creating content that not only resonates but genuinely facilitates our shared journey toward enriched relationships.
Explore More on My Blog:
If the concept of mastering negotiation tactics and enhancing your partnership intrigues you, I invite you to frequently visit my blogs. I am dedicated to presenting new, stimulating content aimed at assisting you in understanding the subtleties of your interactions, thereby cultivating a more empathetic, robust, and affectionate bond. Join me in delving into the nuances of power negotiation, and let’s work together to transform our relationships into paradigms of balance and mutual respect.