If you are in a relationship, making compromises and choosing the path that’s good for your relationship instead of going another way is actually a good strategy. This helps with your partnership, and you will build a healthy and loving relationship.
When two different people come into a relationship, even though romantic literature says they become one person, they are two different people with different expectations and life experiences. It is misguided to assume that your partner will like the same things you like, or even want the same things you want.
You will have to reconcile your expectations, wants, needs, and realities to build a great and thriving relationship. The benefits of following through and actually making the effort to do this can be tremendous. Here are some of the ways in which your relationship can improve when you learn how to compromise:
You Foster Partnership
When you are in a relationship, it is important to appreciate the fact that you are partners with your significant other, and that your actions affect them. To act solely to foster your interests is selfish.
You will definitely have a better relationship when you think and act from the same script as far as your relationship is concerned. While it is okay to pursue your own goals and interests, it is also vital that both of you work toward common relationship goals.
The fact is, you can’t have common relationship goals if you don’t sit down and harmonize all your wants and settle on a few things that will benefit both of you as a couple. This takes maturity and compromise.
Some Things Can’t Be Changed
When you agree to accept your significant other into your life, you are welcoming them with all their baggage, strengths, wants, aspirations, and weaknesses. Some of the logically bad things can be ironed out with a little effort. However, there are some things you just can’t change. You should be able to compromise and accept this as the reality of your relationship.
You will also be getting into the relationship with your own baggage. Your partner should be willing to compromise on some of the things you can’t change and accept you as a partner nonetheless.
Managing Expectations
One of the keys to consistent relationship happiness is being able to match your partner’s expectations with your expectations. You should be able to harmonize reality with the images you hold in your head about what things ought to look like.
This can only be achieved when you freely talk about things. Everything is fair game and can be talked about candidly: be it sex, sleeping habits, bathroom habits, vacation itineraries, what you are doing over the weekend, when your partner arrives home from work, how to deal with in-laws, and pretty much everything else that affects you as a couple.
If you are going on a vacation, for instance, you should openly discuss what the two of you want to do and reach a compromise on the best itinerary. If you want to do something romantic, consider a couples all-inclusive resort over a family-friendly resort. At an adults-only resort, you have the option to do things together and apart–plus it sets a more intimate and special tone.
When Being Right Is Not the Right Way
If you are a cerebral person who takes pride in doing the “right” thing, some of the “right” things you do may actually hurt your relationship. Romantic relationships are emotional affairs and logical solutions may not be the right solutions at all times.
Knowing what to do, and letting go of your ego to do what will actually make your partner happy takes a keen sense of self-awareness and ability to compromise. The goal should always to make your relationship better and to find happiness in the partnership. Compromise may just get you across the finish line.
You Become Better at Conflict Resolution
One key aspect of the ability to compromise is being able to empathize with another person’s situation and feelings. This quality allows you not to resort to the default behavior of being confrontational when your stance or views are challenged, or when someone doesn’t want to do something you think they should do.
When people are aggressively confronted, they shut down and become defensive. In being defensive, they close most of the opportunities that would allow you two to sit down, discuss the situation amicably, and find common ground.
Creating an environment where you and your partner know that you can always find a way that works for both of you no matter your differences of opinion can be quite liberating.
Notice the Good Things Your Partner Does
The great thing about being able to talk about your wants and reaching a compromise is that you start to become fully aware of the things your partner is doing to make your relationship better and to make you happy.
You can’t be appreciative of their actions if you can’t even notice those actions. This new level of awareness can only serve to improve your relationship.
Give a Little
When you’re in a relationship, sometimes you have to swallow your pride and do what’s best for your partner and your relationship. The two of you might not agree on everything, but it’s important to show a little empathy when it comes to the things your partner cares about. Your relationship is bound to improve if the two of you start have a better understanding of each other.
