This study investigated the role yuan (predestined relationship) plays in the development of premarital relationships. Interviews and graphing procedures were used with 50 newlywed Taiwanese couples to explore the influence of yuan and related concepts on the development of these couples’ premarital interactions. The people interviewed in this study mentioned that in addition to its supernatural and passive elements, yuan also has active elements. The majority of people interviewed believed that yuan was most significant at the beginning of the development of their premarital relationship. After the initial acquaintance was made, the feeling of yuan caused the relationship to develop quickly, and produced the effect of a self-fulfilling expectancy. The feeling of yuan after the initial encounter may strengthen commitment to the marital relationship. Even when there were difficulties in the development of the relationships, the couples earnestly worked together to overcome the difficulties and allow their relationship to continue. The feeling of yuan after the first meeting had an important effect on the stability of the premarital relationship. As a schema for interpreting Chinese interpersona1 relationships, the function of yuan included eliciting personal perception and subsequent behavior. It also serves as a tool for reflection. The implications of the concept of yuan on the theories and research findings concerning eastern and western interpersona1 relationships are discussed.