How well do you and your partner work together as a couple? Maybe in some ways you manage fairly well. But in other areas you seem to struggle.
A major problem in many relationships is an inability to work together as cooperative equals especially in areas of importance to you. There are certain areas where you agree so you find yourselves managing these reasonably well. In other areas where you don’t agree you find yourselves deadlocked in reoccurring conflicts.
Most of the conflicts involve arguments over “who’s right” and “who’s wrong.” One of you believes you have the best idea or solution. Now, all you have to do is to convince your partner that you’re right. But, your partner may have other ideas. So, there the two of you are–fighting over ideas. And, as long as you’re in conflict, neither of you are addressing what needs to be handled.
We’re suggesting that both of you need to stop fighting and start listening to each other’s ideas before making any negative judgment about them. It’s likely that both of you have really good ideas based upon how each of you sees the situation and it’s likely that they’ll be slightly different–and that’s really valuable. After each of you has listened to and heard all the ideas presented, blend the ideas from both of you in making a decision. You will find that working together in this way as equals is far better than engaging in constant hassles. You’ll also feel good about your collective, joint success.
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Here’s to your relationship success!
Jesse and Melva
