The Pilot Study

The results of the pilot are reported in the following sections. It should be known, however, that no effort was made to classify participants by social status, ethnic origin, age or religion. We believe these criteria would be interesting for comparative analysis. However, the technique is an entirely subjective one which cannot be generalized. It is a tool for communicating and nothing more. The content of the communication is entirely personal and, therefore, classificatory criteria are given very little significance.

Reactions To The Technique

Table 2. Reaction from Pilot Study, Questions 1,2,3

SAMPLE REACTION	YES	NO	*D.K.	TOTAL
	# -- %	# -- %	# -- %	# -- %
Technique meaningful	20--100	--	--	20--100
Technique easy to follow	20--100	--	--	20--100
Technique useful to you	20--100	--	--	20--100
Recommend to friends	15---75	--	5---25	20--100
Use it in future	10---50	--	10--50	20--100

* 'D.K' means Don't Know

Participants reactions clearly indicate that the technique is doing what it is designed to do. They all agree that it is useful, meaningful and easy to follow. Seventyfive (75%) percent participants are willing to recommend it to friends, while the remaining twentyfive (25%) percent are not sure. Only fifty (50%) percent intend to use it in the future, while the others are not sure. There were no negative reactions to the technique.

Disadvantages of Technique

Some participants expressed serious conserns that the technique could be used as a means to dredge up old wounds. If indeed there are old wounds, these should be healed. These unresolved issues are locked away in the subconscious ready to emerge at the appropriate moment to torment and destroy relationships. If the technique should cause old wounds to resurface, it would provide partners the opportunity to discuss them anew, under changed conditions, and deal with them once more. Such dredging, then, should not be considered in a negative light.

Some participants expressed difficulty in selecting elements because of their tendency to overlap into more than one component. This is a legitimate expectation because of the progressive nature of components. Elements may be considered at different levels without in any way affecting the effectiveness of the technique. The important consideration is that partners undersstand the meaning of elements within their respective components.

Advantages of the Technique

The emphasis on finding solutions to disparities was the second advantage of note. Most participants felt that to leave disparities unattended would be like leaving an open wound to fester. The need to make decisions, tentative or final, is absolutely vital. The knowledge that something will be done about a disparity creates a desire in partners to accomplish it. This in itself is positive.

A third advantage mentioned is the openness the technique encourages between partners. Letting down one's defences is not an easy undertaking particularly where feelings are involved. To let your partner into your private space is, in fact, the ultimate stage of Fulfilment.

Effectiveness of Technique

One very important observation from the pilot study admonishes that before you begain to complete the schedule, you both must be in a reconciliatory frame of mind. Since the exercise will bring out differences, sometimes unexpected and revealing, there could be a tendency to go on the defensive during discussion. It is absolutely vital that you both must focuss your discussion on the main purpose, which is the improvement of your relationship. If you do that, then your integrity will overcome any bickering, arguments, vexations, or accusations. You will be seeing before you the person who loves you enough to tell you how he or she feels about you without any fear of reprisal, but with a hope for a stronger relationship. Isn't this what you both want?