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Strausz will assist in separating requirements — which are imperative for the success of a relationship — from needs, which can often be worked on. Students in the LifePartnerQuest courses investigate past relationships to help each other locate pitfalls to avoid in the future. "Once you become conscious of why other relationships didn't work in the past, it will help you see your future more clearly," Strausz says. Each student is assigned a coaching buddy during the classes. The partners help coach each other during class and provide moral sup- port during the week. Strausz's class will differ from other LifePartnerQuest programs around the country because she plans to weave Jewish themes into each session. "The Torah teaches us that man should not be alone, so one class will explore how important it is to have a Jewish partner who shares your core values," she explains. There is no age limit for the class; Strausz believes "you can learn from • anyone, no matter what their life experiences have been." Strausz says students will be able to consult with her even after the class has ended. After the course's eight weeks have concluded, members of the class can form "attraction groups" to continue to provide moral and social support to one another. The purpose of the class, says Strausz, is not to meet other stu- dents who may be potential dates, but rather to invite self-reflection and help each participant develop an intention- al plan to live his or her life vision and meet an ideal partner. One of Strausz's classes will focus on venues where students are most likely to meet someone who share similar values. "There are four levels of venues where you can meet someone," says Strausz. Level one places are public settings, such as the grocery store or coffee shop, but your chances are low-' est in these settings, as the only thing you have in common with the person you meet is that you were both in the same place at the same time. Level two is the generic singles set- tings, where the only thing you have in common with others is the fact that you are single. "Many single people stop their search here," says Strausz. Level three venues are special-inter- est settings where other single people with common interests congregate. These venues can include bike clubs, ski clubs, and Jewish singles groups. Strausz believes this level is best for making friends and networking. The possibility of meeting someone in this group is greatly increased. "Level four venues have the highest odds for meeting someone who shares your values," says Strausz. These venues are organizations and activities where attendees have a shared passion — including Jewish community ser- vice organizations, environmental sup- port groups, human rights activities and the like. Strausz is living proof that these venues are best for meeting someone who shares your interests and values — she met her husband at an animal rights group activity. Strausz has taught before, but in a very different setting. - She received her masters in clinical and humanistic psychology at the Center for Humanistic Studies in Detroit, after which she was an early childhood educator in the Birmingham school district. • Since 1999, Strausz has been in pri- vate practice, where she focuses on counseling and support for couples, women's issues and self-esteem coun- seling. Strausz enthusiastically says that she finds endless pleasure in her work. "I love witnessing transformation in peo- ple and in relationships." Strausz notes that her personal life also provides her with the strength and experience for relationship coach- ing. She says that every relationship will have its ups and downs, but explains that she and her husband, Richard, who have a 24-year-old son and a 20- year-old daughter, have always worked hard at their relationship, and that the communication skills they developed over the years and their ability to laugh at life have kept the marriage strong. "I believe in the power of love," Strausz says. "I believe that you can LOVE FOR LIFE on page 78