4A- Forming an Opportunity Belief

Forming an Opportunity Belief.

I think that there is an unmet need for relationship counseling for those who are unmarried. I believe that those who are in a relationship often learn a lot about themselves and what they like in a significant other. A lot of times, people see that a relationship that is not a marriage does not need any counseling when things go sour, but for those who are very committed in a relationship, it is something that could save the relationship. Moreover, many believe that it is not worth it to go to a relationship counselor if the partners are not married. However, I believe that even when two partners have not been committed, and whether the partners are of older or even as young as sixteen years old, there could potentially be an opportunity for relationship counselors. I am 40% sure that this opportunity exists.



#1: 22 year old college female who is single but has been in a relationship.

Have you ever been in an argument with your significant other? What is one argument that you remember having?

“Yes, my ex-boyfriend and I had an argument about religion, and how that would go along in our lives when he is Christian and I am Buddhist.

What is your one rule of thumb in resolving an argument?

“Communication and talking to each other without raising our voices.”

Do you think there are times where a relationship would decline even without the presence of arguments? How so?

“Yes, if a couple has two different paths in life, has two different mindsets, or have even fell out of love.”

Do you think relationship counseling would help this?

“It could, but it is up to the two people, and it could give a solution that the couple did not think about.”

Do you ever think about going to counseling for a relationship that is not yet a marriage? Do you think it is worth it?

“I usually go to my friends to ask for advice, but their opinion is usually biased. However, it is worth it if the couple wants to be with each other in the end, and see themselves marrying each other.



#2: 19 year old female college student

Have you ever been in an argument with your significant other? What is one argument that you remember having?

Yes, I remember arguing about time that we would be able to spend together as it is sometimes hard to maintain a long distance relationship.

What is your one rule of thumb in resolving an argument?

“One rule of thumb is to always be open and listen to the other person's point of view before coming to conclusions. yes there were times in periods of stress or increased work that each of us would have in which we communicate less frequently and the quality of it would not be as solid, but we were always able to confront that issue and keep moving forward better each time.”

Do you think there are times where a relationship would decline even without the presence of arguments? How so?

Yes, I think over time things would become stagnant if there were no arguments. usually if there are no arguments that also means that someone or both of them are holding in their emotions which does not lead to a healthy relationship. no one’s going to be complacent 24/7, it just depends on if problems are brought up so if there are no arguments the individuals involved may feel anger towards the other for something that the other party is unaware of.





Do you think relationship counseling would help this?

“Personally I don’t think the arguments/problems we’ve had have been serious enough to the point where we would have needed intervention so i don’t think relationship counseling would have been necessary.”

Do you ever think about going to counseling for a relationship that is not yet a marriage? Do you think it is worth it?

“Although I myself haven’t needed to go to relationship counseling or thought about it I definitely do think that if a relationship is struggling and you really do want to be with your significant other and make it work even if you’re not married then it’s never a waste of time to go to relationship counseling. If anything it’ll make you see things clearer and help strengthen the bond, or it’ll show you that you’re not meant for each other and save time and effort on both ends.”






#3: 22 year old male graduate in his gap year.

Have you ever been in an argument with your significant other? What is one argument that you remember having?

“Yes, I have had multiple arguments. There was one time she got mad at me for hanging out with my friends because she wanted to spend time with me instead.”

What is your one rule of thumb in resolving an argument?

“Always let both people talk and try to understand each person’s viewpoint.”

Are there times where a relationship would decline even without the presence of arguments? How so?

“Yes, because sometimes there could be a lost of interest or feelings regardless of whether arguments are not.

Do you think relationship counseling would help this?

“No, because sometimes a person’s opinion even if its from a professional, would not effect how people feel.”

Do you ever think about going to counseling for a relationship that is not yet a marriage? Do you think it is worth it?

“I think it would be worth it for a long-term relationship and a middle person would definitely help a lot.”


Reflection on all iterations: I am most surprised by the fact that everyone supported the presence of a relationship counselor for relationships that are not marriages. Even though I saw this as an opportunity, I did expect there to be at least one interviewee that would object the idea. I think I learned a lot about how relationships work and what each person in a relationship expects from the other. In


Summary: The original opportunity is still there and is going strong. There is more support for the opportunity than I thought, so I think it is safe to say that the opportunity has increased by a total of at least 20 percent. For this opportunity, there is definitely a lot of room for improvement based on customer feedback. There is always a way to make the service industry better.