John and Lisa Thompson, a married duo of psychologists, have pinpointed behaviors that can accurately forecast the success or failure of relationships. But what if there was a simple online quiz available for couples—especially those planning to start a family—allowing them to evaluate their relationship’s resilience? With that idea in mind, I’ve created a lighthearted, unscientific quiz to gauge marriage compatibility.
Quiz Questions
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What does “cleaning the kitchen” entail for you? Does it mean wiping down the counters and mopping the floor? Does it also involve rinsing out the sink strainer? If you both agree on this definition, +2 points. If not, -2.
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Imagine this task: working together to fit a duvet cover onto a duvet. Will one of you insist on the complicated method of turning the cover inside out first, while the other opts for the shoving-in method? Pay attention to your body—are you sweating and feeling slightly irritable? If so, -2 points.
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Consider this phrase: “Sweetheart, did you leave the burner on?” What is the underlying tone? Is it a friendly inquiry or a veiled critique of your partner’s competence? There’s no universal answer; what matters is finding your own understanding as a couple.
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Do you find yourselves in bizarre debates, like whether couscous is a grain or just tiny rice? If one of you insists on the tiny-rice theory, while the other argues against it, beware. Insane arguments can derail your happiness. Avoid marrying someone who drags you into these disputes. -9 points.
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Picture this scenario: you’re on a long road trip in a rented SUV, and the dashboard syncs with various phones. It announces attempts to connect to amusingly named devices. Who will try to disable the notifications? Will frustration take over for the entire trip, or will you approach it with humor? Agree on a response: if you both laugh it off, +5 points.
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As you load your family’s luggage onto a hotel cart, how many times will you exclaim, “We used to travel so lightly; look at all this stuff!”?
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Count how many times you’ll actually say it.
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How often will you remark that the luggage cart should have more hooks?
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When your child is feeling sick in the backseat on a winding road, and you’re trying to manage the situation, how do you respond to your four-year-old’s whimsical questions? If you calmly handle the chaos, +4 points; if you lose it, -10.
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How long will you search a random neighborhood for a healthy Panera before conceding defeat and going to Cracker Barrel? Set a time limit on this now.
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In the event your little one is banging on the table at Cracker Barrel, who steps in to prevent a potential disaster? This playful game of chicken can strengthen your bond. +10 points.
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If your toddler is throwing a tantrum in a Cracker Barrel high chair with outdated straps, will you maintain your composure or let frustration boil over?
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Lastly, is Cracker Barrel a culinary delight or a dining disaster? Make sure you and your partner share the same opinion on this matter.
This article was originally published on Jan. 15, 2015.
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Summary
The humorous quiz offers a playful way for couples to evaluate their relationship compatibility and navigate potential challenges. By addressing quirky situations and everyday tasks, partners can gain insight into their dynamics and strengthen their bond.