Thoughts and feelings (5)

What is one thing that you tend to steer away from because you find it emotionally uncomfortable?

Life together (2)

Does your home have adequate space for the both of you, or are you constantly tripping over one another? Is this a source of comedy, or conflict?

Out of place

In your life right now, what is one thing — something you do, or something you own — that you'll admit doesn't fit very well with your values?

This week's theme is values.

Opposite poles

In the continuing drama of your daily life, what is the largest conflict that you're not directly involved in? And which two people best represent the two opposing sides in that main conflict?

This week's theme is cast of characters.

Tell us a story: conceding

Tell us about a time when you decided that something wasn't worth fighting for and simply conceded. What was the contest or dispute about? And what led you to step away from the conflict?

Self-control

We try to get things under control, but, paradoxically, one thing we can't fully control is our own behavior. What is one area where you repeatedly don't do what you planned to do — or do what you planned not to do?

This week's theme is control.

Working at cross purposes

When you're trying to get things under control, it's easy to come into conflict with someone else who's also trying to get things under control, but in a slightly different way. Where does this kind of conflict come up most often for you: at home, at work, or in some other part of your life?

This week's theme is control.

Empty space

We certainly have mixed feelings about emptiness. We fear the poverty of "empty cupboards" and try to fill every shelf and niche, but we also crave the freedom of "wide open spaces" and like to feel that some pages still remain unwritten. Is there a place in your life where this conflict plays out — for example, a space where you regularly clean out the clutter, only to quickly fill it up again with new stuff?

This week's theme is empty space.

Tell us a story: spilling it

What was an uncomfortable secret that you carried for years, until you found that it was okay to let it go and tell the truth? What made the difference that made it okay to drop the secrecy?

Caught you off guard

Surprise is often a tactic used by someone who wants to win by defeating someone else—for example, in battle, in sports, and in sales. What are some people or situations in your own life that prompt you to be wary against possible surprises?

This week's theme is surprises.

You gotta pick one or the other

Sometimes people (and commercials) incorrectly present things as opposing forces that require compromise, when they aren't really opposites at all. For example: "You have to balance style with savings" falsely implies that personal style is mainly a matter of spending money.

What are two things in your life that you used to believe were opposites, but which you now find you can reconcile without short-changing either one?

This week's theme is balance.

Hard feelings

Now think of people you no longer see specifically because of some ill will between you. Is there anyone in that group of whom you'd really like to ask a question? What would you ask them?

This week's theme is the questions you want to ask.

Spoilsport

Has anyone ever actively thwarted your creativity? Who is this spoilsport, and is he or she still in your life? Did you listen to their negative commentary and take it to heart, or did you go ahead with your novel/audition/self-portrait in oils anyway?

This week's theme is creativity.

Tell us a story: romance gone wrong

What's the most colorful story you have about a date, or a romantic evening, that turned out badly?

Your nemesis

In most stories, the hero struggles against someone (for example, a villain or rival) or something (for example, a handicap, an addiction, or a shameful secret). The hero's struggle provides shape and drama to the story. Who is the villain in your life story? Or what lifelong struggle provides the drama in your story?

This week's theme is your life story.

You're wrong, and your mother dresses you funny!

What is your favorite fallback tactic when you realize you can't win an argument on logic alone?

From one extreme to another

Some people are extremely frugal — until they go out on wild shopping sprees. Some people alternate between eating too much and going on strict diets. Some are extremely wild and rebellious, until they settle down into extremely ordinary, conventional lives.

What is one area of your life where you might find this pattern of shifting from one extreme to the opposite extreme?

This week's theme is extremes.

The consequences of conflict

What is the worst conflict you've had with a family member, and what happened as a result?

This week's theme is family conflict.

A house divided

Are you estranged from members of your family because of unresolved conflicts? If so, what would have to happen for those divisions to be healed?

This week's theme is family conflict.

Is there a diplomat in the house?

When there are conflicts between family members, who in your family is most likely to play the peacemaker or referee?

This week's theme is family conflict.