ABSTRACT
To use a directive approach, it is best to hypothesize that marital relationships are based upon sequences of behavior that follow rules. For example, a husband will routinely behave irresponsibly. The wife will behave responsibly and she will complain about the husband being irresponsible. They will follow this rule whenever they communicate. Symptoms are the expression of a conflict of rules. A couple can follow rules that lead to pleasant experiences or they can repeat rules that create distress.
