ABSTRACT
This exercise is based loosely on the game of bowling. Each participant takes a turn responding to a hypothetical question or problem and the other players rate his or her response as either a strike, spare, split, or gutter ball. This exercise fosters better communication, creativity in problem solving, and an expansion of options in relationships within a fun/game setting. The exercise helps to enhance problem-solving skills and increase communications skills. The exercise can be changed from a dyadic activity to an individual activity or to a team activity. Groups made up of couples could be divided into male/female teams. For a family or families, the players could be paired as mothers and sons, fathers and daughters. The exercise can be strengthened by briefly discussing the importance of creative thinking, cooperation, and talking about the options available when confronted with relational problems.
