Psychology Today shows a method for improving relationships and marriages with its “The Tao of Improv: 5 Rules for Improvising Your Life.” Giving up control in favor of adopting with a more generous, supportive and organic mindset leads to a happier, more satisfying relationship.
Robert Taibbi lists his five rules and writes (excerpt):
Rule #1: Yes and. . . . Yes and means that you accept all of your fellow actor’s offers, rather than blocking – denying, ignoring, changing – what your partner just said. . . .
Rule #2. Act / React. . . . If Yes and is about attitude and acceptance, this rule is about taking responsibility and confronting fear [through “being courageous and following your instincts]”. . . .
Rule #3. You can look good if you make your partner look good. . . . This concept follows directly from the others – acceptance, responsibility – now trust and commitment to each other. . . .
Rule #4. Be truthful, be vulnerable. . . . Instead of funny go for vulnerable. Stay in character and be honest.. . .
Rule #5. There are no mistakes. . . . You work around and with what others offer, and trust that you’ll all somehow pull it out. . . .