You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]



579 N.W.2d 431 (1998)
228 Mich. App. 463
PEOPLE of the State of Michigan, Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
Gary Paul SCHMIDT, Defendant-Appellee.
Docket No. 201388.
Court of Appeals of Michigan.
Submitted December 4, 1997, at Grand Rapids.
Decided March 6, 1998, at 9:00 a.m.
Released for Publication June 8, 1998.
*432 Frank J. Kelley, Attorney General, Thomas L. Casey, Solicitor General, and Thomas Jay Weichel, Prosecuting Attorney, for People.
William A. Pfeifer, Alpena, for Defendant-Appellee.
Before NEFF, P.J., and JANSEN and MARKEY, JJ.
PER CURIAM.
The prosecutor appeals by leave granted the circuit court's order denying his pretrial *433 motion in limine for admission of confidential communications allegedly made by defendant Gary Paul Schmidt to Susan Marie Craven during their common-law marriage, which was recognized by the state of Alabama, regarding the disappearance and death of defendant's first wife. We affirm.

I
Defendant and Craven met in Michigan and subsequently moved to Alabama together in 1985. The couple purchased a house together in Gulf Shores and, with the intent of marrying each other, they began living together as husband and wife. They held themselves out to the world as a married couple and were looked upon as being married. In June 1993, Craven filed for divorce. After a hearing before an Alabama circuit court, the judge ordered "[t]hat the bonds of matrimony previously existing between the plaintiff and defendant are dissolved and that they are forever divorced."
Subsequently, defendant was charged in Michigan with first-degree murder for the death of his prior wife, Cindy Schmidt. At the preliminary examination, defendant objected to the admission of testimony by Craven regarding statements allegedly made by defendant to Craven while the two lived as husband and wife in Alabama. Defendant claimed that the proposed testimony was protected by Michigan's confidential communications privilege pursuant to M.C.L. § 600.2162(2); M.S.A. § 27A.2162(2) because he and Craven had a valid common-law marriage at the time the statements were made. The district court recognized the privilege and refused to allow the testimony.
Despite this ruling, defendant was bound over for trial. The prosecutor filed a motion in limine in the circuit court, arguing that defendant's statements to Craven were not privileged because common-law marriages are not recognized in Michigan. The circuit court denied the prosecutor's motion, ruling that Michigan's confidential communications privilege applied to a common-law marriage that took place and was recognized in another state. Therefore, the court ruled that the proposed testimony of Craven would not be allowed at defendant's murder trial. The prosecutor now brings this interlocutory appeal pursuant to MCR 7.203(B).

II
Michigan's common-law spousal testimonial privileges were codified by the Legislature at M.C.L. § 600.2162; M.S.A. § 27A.2162. This statute provides for two distinct privileges. The first type, a spousal privilege, bars one spouse from testifying for or against the other spouse without the other spouse's consent where the witness and the spouse are married at the time of trial. At issue here is the second type, a confidential communications privilege, which precludes a spouse from testifying without the consent of the other spouse with regard to any confidential communication that occurred during the marriage. This privilege applies whether the testimony is sought during the marriage or afterwards, as long as the communication occurred during the course of the marriage. People v. Zak, 184 Mich.App. 1, 17, 457 N.W.2d 59 (1990). M.C.L. § 600.2162; M.S.A. § 27A.2162 contains no exceptions with respect to the communications privilege. People v. Hamacher, 432 Mich. 157, 162, 438 N.W.2d 43 (1989).[1]
As correctly noted by the prosecutor, the modern trend is to interpret testimonial privileges strictly. People v. Fisher, 442 Mich. 560, 574, 503 N.W.2d 50 (1993); see People v. Love, 425 Mich. 691, 700, 391 N.W.2d 738 (1986) ("Testimonial exclusionary rules and privileges contravene the fundamental principle that `the public ... has a *434 right to every man's evidence.'") (quoting Trammel v. United States, 445 U.S. 40, 50, 100 S.Ct. 906, 63 L.Ed.2d 186 [1980]). Despite this, however, the spousal privileges continue to apply to valid marriages. See Love, supra at 699, 391 N.W.2d 738.

III
Although common-law marriages have been proscribed in Michigan since 1957, other states, including Alabama, recognize common-law marriages as valid, and apply to them all marriage benefits, including the spousal privileges. See Crawford v. State, 629 So.2d 745, 747 (Ala.Cr.App., 1993). Michigan follows the general rule that "a marriage valid where it is contracted is valid everywhere." In re Toth Estate, 50 Mich.App. 150, 152, 212 N.W.2d 812 (1973) (finding valid a marriage between first-degree cousins married in Hungary). Accordingly, this state will recognize the validity of a common-law marriage contracted in another state that would be valid by the laws of that state. We thus turn to Alabama common law and the facts before us to determine whether defendant and Craven had a valid common-law marriage at the time defendant allegedly made the statements at issue.
A valid common-law marriage exists in Alabama when the following elements are present: (1) a present, mutual, agreement to enter permanently into the marriage relationship to the exclusion of all other relationships; (2) parties who are legally capable of making the contract of marriage; and (3) public recognition of the relationship as a marriage and public assumption of marital duties and cohabitation. Stringer v. Stringer, 689 So.2d 194, 195 (Ala.Civ.App., 1997). Here, defendant and Craven moved to Alabama with the present intent of marrying each other, and they lived together there as husband and wife. They held themselves out to the world as a married couple and were looked upon as being married.[2] Further, defendant and Craven were issued a final decree of divorce in Alabama, which presumes a prior legal marriage. We find no clear error in the circuit court's determination that defendant and Craven established a valid common-law marriage under Alabama law.

IV
The prosecutor urges this Court to hold that the confidential communications privilege should not be extended to valid common-law marriages contracted in states that recognize that form of marriage. This precise question has never been addressed by the appellate courts of this state.
Until now, this Court has been presented only with challenges to the validity of other states' marriages regarding the issues of property and probate. See, e.g., In re Burroughs Estate, 194 Mich.App. 196, 486 N.W.2d 113 (1992) (recognizing validity of Texas common-law marriage for purposes of probate proceeding); In re Brack Estate, 121 Mich.App. 585, 329 N.W.2d 432 (1982) (recognizing validity of Georgia common-law marriage for purposes of probate proceedings; Toth, supra (recognizing validity of common-law marriage contracted in Hungary in property dispute). The case most similar to the instant case is People v. Van Dorsten (After Remand), 202 Mich.App. 293, 507 N.W.2d 831 (1993), in which this Court held that the spousal privilege did not apply to a bigamous marriage from Arizona: "We do not believe our Legislature intended to extend spousal immunity to marriages repugnant to both the law of this state and the law of the place where the marriage was entered into." Id. at 295, 507 N.W.2d 831 (emphasis added). A reasonable corollary is that spousal privileges apply to a marriage that was valid in either Michigan or the state where it was contracted.
We find further support for this conclusion in People v. Suarez, 148 Misc.2d 95, 98, 560 N.Y.S.2d 68 (1990), a New York case in which the court found "persuasive" the defendant's argument that his common-law marriage in Ohio would entitle him to invoke New York's spousal privilege, even though New York does not recognize common-law marriages. The court stated that "if the *435 defendant entered into a valid common-law marriage in Ohio, New York will give that marriage full force and effect." Id.
The prosecutor argues that extending spousal privileges to common-law marriages is against the public policy of Michigan. This is a question properly left to the Legislature. Presumably, the Legislature could refuse to recognize common-law marriages if it chose to do so, as it has done with same-sex marriages in M.C.L. § 551.271(2); M.S.A. § 25.15(2) and M.C.L. § 551.272; M.S.A. § 25.16. We thus conclude that Michigan's spousal privileges must be extended to a common-law marriage contracted in a state that recognizes its validity.

V
Defendant and Craven had a valid common-law marriage in Alabama when defendant allegedly made certain statements about the death of his first wife. For purposes of M.C.L. § 600.2162(2); M.S.A. § 27A.2162(2), this common-law marriage is to be given the same legal significance as a marriage solemnized by ceremony. Accordingly, the circuit court properly determined that Craven may not testify regarding the confidential communications made by defendant during their common-law marriage.
Affirmed and remanded for trial. We do not retain jurisdiction.
NOTES
[1]  Of course, to fall under the marital communications privilege, the communication must be confidential. People v. Byrd, 207 Mich.App. 599, 602, 525 N.W.2d 507 (1994). Although the prosecutor has requested a remand to make a separate record (a request also made to the trial court and denied), he has made no representation, either to the circuit court or to this Court, that Craven's proposed testimony is in regard to communications that fall outside the marital privilege. That is, the request to make a separate record has not been supported by any claim that some or all of Craven's testimony, if heard, would fall outside the privilege. As the proponent of the witness, the prosecutor presumably has knowledge of whether any of the testimony might be found to fall outside the privilege and yet he has failed to make any such claim.
[2]  The prosecutor was offered an opportunity to challenge these facts, which support the circuit court's finding of a valid Alabama common-law marriage, but declined to do so.