You want to go on a week-long golfing holiday in Dubai with your friends on the same weekend as your partner’s sister’s birthday party. Do you:

• A 2 Tell your partner that you'll bring back an expensive present for her from Dubai

  ANSWER COMMENTARY

  There are many types of negotiating need which underpin negotiations – you will come across several different kinds of need throughout this scenario. In this case there is a “belonging” negotiation need, which partners often have – they want you to show that you feel that family is as important to you as it is to them. If you really feel you must go to Dubai then answer (d) would be a good response since at least it shows a commitment to family time with both your partner and sister in law.
  
  Answer (c) is less effective because it prioritises your friendships above family time but at least you are being open about your needs, which is a good way to start most negotiations.
  
  Answers (a) and (b) may not get you very far. Your partner doesn’t want a present, (answer (a)), they want your time; and giving that time with bad grace (answer (b) is not going to score you many points at home.
• B 1 Tell her you won't go, but warn your partner that you'll be extremely miserable around the house as a result

  ANSWER COMMENTARY

  There are many types of negotiating need which underpin negotiations – you will come across several different kinds of need throughout this scenario. In this case there is a “belonging” negotiation need, which partners often have – they want you to show that you feel that family is as important to you as it is to them. If you really feel you must go to Dubai then answer (d) would be a good response since at least it shows a commitment to family time with both your partner and sister in law.
  
  Answer (c) is less effective because it prioritises your friendships above family time but at least you are being open about your needs, which is a good way to start most negotiations.
  
  Answers (a) and (b) may not get you very far. Your partner doesn’t want a present, (answer (a)), they want your time; and giving that time with bad grace (answer (b) is not going to score you many points at home.
• C 3 Explain that you need to maintain your friendships even though your relationship is of paramount importance to you

  ANSWER COMMENTARY

  There are many types of negotiating need which underpin negotiations – you will come across several different kinds of need throughout this scenario. In this case there is a “belonging” negotiation need, which partners often have – they want you to show that you feel that family is as important to you as it is to them. If you really feel you must go to Dubai then answer (d) would be a good response since at least it shows a commitment to family time with both your partner and sister in law.
  
  Answer (c) is less effective because it prioritises your friendships above family time but at least you are being open about your needs, which is a good way to start most negotiations.
  
  Answers (a) and (b) may not get you very far. Your partner doesn’t want a present, (answer (a)), they want your time; and giving that time with bad grace (answer (b) is not going to score you many points at home.
• D 4 Suggest that you block out together upcoming weeks when the two of you can go away on your own or with her sister

  ANSWER COMMENTARY

  There are many types of negotiating need which underpin negotiations – you will come across several different kinds of need throughout this scenario. In this case there is a “belonging” negotiation need, which partners often have – they want you to show that you feel that family is as important to you as it is to them. If you really feel you must go to Dubai then answer (d) would be a good response since at least it shows a commitment to family time with both your partner and sister in law.
  
  Answer (c) is less effective because it prioritises your friendships above family time but at least you are being open about your needs, which is a good way to start most negotiations.
  
  Answers (a) and (b) may not get you very far. Your partner doesn’t want a present, (answer (a)), they want your time; and giving that time with bad grace (answer (b) is not going to score you many points at home.