The following quiz will test the quality of your relationship and how to proceed. Dr. Howard Markman and Dr. Scott Stanley at the Center for Marital and Family Studies, University of Denver, created this scale using 20 years of research in the field of marital health and success.

Using the three-point scale below, answer each of the eight questions, and your score results will measure the status of your relationship. The quiz authors caution users to interpret the scores as rough guidelines to help couples assess the degree to which they are experiencing key danger signs in their relationship.

1. Little arguments escalate into ugly fights with accusations, criticisms, name calling or bringing up past hurts. almost never once in awhile frequently

2. My partner criticizes or belittles my opinions, feelings or desires. almost never once in awhile frequently

3. My partner seems to view my words or actions more negatively than I mean them to be. almost never once in awhile frequently

4. When we have a problem to solve, it is like we are on opposite teams. almost never once in awhile frequently

5. I hold back from telling my partner what I really think and feel. almost never once in awhile frequently

6. I think seriously about what it would be like to date or marry someone else. almost never once in awhile frequently

7. I am lonely in this relationship. almost never once in awhile frequently

8. When we argue, one of us withdraws ... that is, doesn't want to talk about it anymore or leaves the scene. almost never once in awhile frequently