TABLE 2-3. Principle of Symmetry in the Nuclear Family

Extreme

Emotional Category

Opposite Extreme

(One partner)

 

(Other partner)

Giver

Adaptability

Taker

Pursuer

Responsibility for relationship

Pursued

Spendthrift (loose)

Money (or any variable)

Tight

Optimist

Responsibility for hope

Pessimist

Anxious one

Anxiety

Reassurer

Along for the ride

Social life

Activities director

Symptomatic one

Soma (body)

Healthy one

Never remembers

Dates (family life history)

Historian/archivist

Permissive (good cop)

Discipline

Strict (bad cop)

Favorite

Any two siblings

Black sheep