Relationships between strategies

12 in a relationship

The One brings order and reliability; the Two brings warmth and care. They're drawn to each other precisely because they're different. They complement each other well, as long as the One doesn't forget to show affection and the Two can say what they need.

Strategy 1

Principled Perfectionist

Desire
Goodness, integrity and being at peace with yourself
Fear
Making a mistake, failing and being bad inside

Strategy 2

Caring Altruist

Desire
Love and close relationships
Fear
Rejection and feeling unneeded

How they're connected

They're neighboring strategies, so each can be the other's wing. They have a lot in common and often understand each other without explanation.

What draws them together

The One is flattered by the Two's attention and warmth. The Two often makes the first move, which overcomes the One's shyness and critical streak. The Two sees what the One needs: more joy, more help, more letting go. And happily offers it.

The Two, in turn, is drawn to the One's reliability and firm values. The One shows love through responsible actions and is an anchor for the Two in emotionally stormy moments. Both want to be “good people,” just in different ways: the One by doing things right, the Two by helping.

Where they click

  • A shared drive to do good and look after others.
  • The One gives the relationship structure; the Two brings warmth and a social life.
  • The Two helps the One loosen up and enjoy the moment.

The rest is in the Couples Guide. How to get it

Where the friction is

  • The One works overtime; the Two goes without attention and tenderness.
  • The One criticizes and the Two takes it as rejection.
  • The Two helps and waits for appreciation; the One forgets to give it.

The rest is in the Couples Guide. How to get it

Working together

At work, they complement each other: the One looks after quality and procedures, the Two after relationships and atmosphere. Roles often sort themselves out: the One leads and the Two helps. It works well when the One is approachable: the Two can then be very thorough and productive.

The rest is in the Couples Guide. How to get it

The two of you, specifically

This is only a general description of the One and Two pairing. The Couples Guide goes deeper: you both take the Quick Test, and the guide works with your subtypes. The self-preservation, social, and one-to-one versions of the same strategy behave completely differently in a relationship.

  • The full text on where you get stuck and how to get out
  • Advice for each of you separately
  • The two of you, specifically: your combination of subtypes
  • How to understand your partner
  • Tips for growing together

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All combinations

What are the two of you really like?

Here you're reading how Perfectionist and Altruist generally work together. The Couples Guide shows your relationship: what draws you to each other, where you get stuck, and what to do about it.

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