Renaldo and Madison believed that the key to a successful marriage was self-improvement. Both took extension classes in areas of their own interest. They attended sensitivity-training groups and personal expansion workshops. Unfortunately, they could seldom attend these functions together because of their conflicting work schedules. Soon, they were so busy improving themselves that they had little time for each other. The house was a shambles, the weeds in the yard grew, and their relationship disappeared under a maze of “do-your-own-thing” self-improvement. After 7 years, they divorced. Their friends were surprised. “After all, they’re so dynamic and interesting, why should they divorce?” Renaldo and Madison had become so self-oriented that their relationship had disappeared and their living environment had become unimportant.

1. How can working to improve oneself disrupt an intimate relationship?

2. What could Renaldo and Madison have done to improve themselves, yet save their relationship?