# Working with the "Couple List" **URL:** \ **Category:** RootsMagic\ **Tags:** question\ **Created:** [January 9, 2024, 3:14am UTC](https://community.rootsmagic.com/t/working-with-the-couple-list/9631 "2024-01-09T03:14:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![TimInMN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/71c47a/32.png) [@TimInMN](https://community.rootsmagic.com/u/TimInMN)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 3:14am UTC](https://community.rootsmagic.com/t/working-with-the-couple-list/9631/1 "2024-01-09T03:14:30Z")
![coupleslist](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/rootsmagic/original/2X/d/d2ec65681626e19b7a9d37d1dded78fb647696d7.jpeg) I’ve noticed that when I work with people, I will see “John Smith” and “Jane Doe”. Only 1 person in the list of each of them. I also look and make sure there is no “Alternate names”. However, Let’s say they have 4 kids. I click on “John Smith” and it shows (sp) Jane Doe and lists 3 of the kids. Then, right under the third kid, it will list (sp) Jane Doe and then the fourth kid. If I click on the single kid, it will list his parents correctly but no siblings. If I click on one of the other 3 kids, it will list the other 2 siblings but not the 4th. There are no duplicates of the parents. The couples list that I have included is my actual screen shot. You can see where it does it a lot and I don’t understand why. I have tried unlinking and then linking back. No good. ---
**Author:** ![nkess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@nkess](https://community.rootsmagic.com/u/nkess)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 3:52am UTC](https://community.rootsmagic.com/t/working-with-the-couple-list/9631/2 "2024-01-09T03:52:46Z")
Taking your example highlighted for Arthur Thomas Bower besides being listed in the couples list 3 times, it shows in the left panel 3 immigrations for 1884 and 3 for 1886 BUT only 1 spouse ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/rootsmagic/original/2X/4/413faea1c01054f7b4d528b0198820ad43eb498f.png) My 1st suggestion would be to turn on the RIN number ( go to settings and under the gear you will see NUMBER TO DISPLAY–and pick RIN)–once it is turned on check all 3 instances for Arthur Thomas Bower and see if the RIN number is the same or if he has 3 different numbers… Then let us know which it is-- you MIGHT also post a screenshot of his info page in the family view with spouse highlighted edit–also or all of his kids listed on one page with spouse Flora or part under all 3 listings? ---
**Author:** ![thejerrybryan](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.rootsmagic.com/thejerrybryan/32/404_2.png) [@thejerrybryan](https://community.rootsmagic.com/u/thejerrybryan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 5:59am UTC](https://community.rootsmagic.com/t/working-with-the-couple-list/9631/3 "2024-01-09T05:59:53Z")
The screenshot with Arthur Thomas Bower and Flora Anabel Beattie doesn’t seem to show any of the problems you have described. There is one spouse each and they have a bunch of kids together. Could you post another screenshot showing one of the couples where there is such a problem (and do be sure to turn on the display of RIN numbers). ---
**Author:** ![TimInMN](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/71c47a/32.png) [@TimInMN](https://community.rootsmagic.com/u/TimInMN)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 1:16pm UTC](https://community.rootsmagic.com/t/working-with-the-couple-list/9631/4 "2024-01-09T13:16:00Z")
Problem solved: I turned on the RIN numbers and that helped to determine if I was looking at the same person or a duplicate. It was the same. I then investigated the immigration flood. However, while looking at that, I did realize that they had listed getting married 3 different times. I found the source for the actual marriage and deleted the other two and, “Wah-Lah!”…only one line in the couples list instead of three. As for the “Ghost” spouse, I found the answer on page 77 of “Getting the most out of RM9”. I had to select the “Normal” person who was married to the “Ghost” spouse. Then, (This was the key to fixing) I had to select “Family View” with the “Ghost” spouse and then make sure the “Normal” person is highlighted. Then, just unlink from the unknown spouse. Many thanks!