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 |