Are you and your partner not quite seeing eye to eye when you have a disagreement? Rather than thinking it's your way or the highway, a compromise can help you both get something you want while you're building a life together. Even if you have different perspectives on the situation, we can help you work toward a compromise and maintain your strong connection as a couple. Keep reading, and we'll cover what a healthy compromise looks like and where you can make them in your relationship.
This article is based on an interview with our licensed professional counselor, Tara Vossenkemper, founder of Tara Vossenkemper Consulting, LLC. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Take turns explaining what you need from the solution and what boundaries you have that are non-negotiable.
- Come to a solution where you meet in the middle, like one person cooking and the other cleaning, or alternating who chooses an activity each night.
- Be flexible by both giving up a few things that you want without sacrificing your overall needs and values.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Approach your conversations with a positive attitude that’s focused on finding a solution. If you come in with a negative mindset, it may be tougher to work through whatever issue you’re having. [16] X Research sourceThanks
- It’s normal if you and your partner aren’t always on the same page when it comes to compromises. As long as you’re trying to engage and find a solution together, you’ll grow even closer with your partner.Thanks
Warnings
- Avoid sacrificing your own happiness just to make your partner happy since it can lower your self-esteem and make you neglect your personal needs. Before you agree to a compromise, ask yourself if it goes against your values and find a new solution if it does. [17] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to sourceThanks
References
- ↑ https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/when_are_you_sacrificing_too_much_in_your_relationship
- ↑ https://www.ny.gov/teen-dating-violence-awareness-and-prevention/what-does-healthy-relationship-look
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/pointers-for-couples-to-prevent-resolve-misunderstandings#tips
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201510/compromise-made-simple-7-handy-tips-couples
- ↑ https://www.kent.edu/srvss/healthy-relationships
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/ways-to-stop-resentment-from-ruining-your-relationship#what-causes-it
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/maybe-its-just-me/201106/how-much-should-you-compromise-your-relationship
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/10/money-matters
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/why-men-give-up-their-identity-in-a-relationship#signs
- ↑ https://youth.gov/youth-topics/teen-dating-violence/characteristics
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/relationships/power-struggle-relationships#are-there-always-power-struggles
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquering-codependency/202209/lopsided-relationships-when-your-needs-always-come-last
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/maybe-its-just-me/201106/how-much-should-you-compromise-your-relationship
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/ways-to-stop-resentment-from-ruining-your-relationship
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201004/how-optimize-your-relationship-the-7070-compromise
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/when_are_you_sacrificing_too_much_in_your_relationship