Finding two people who agree on every issue that can arise during a life time is a seemingly impossible task, but it might happen one day. For those who live in the real world and want a relationship, finding themselves at odds with each other on some issues is a normal way of life. They might agree on the big issues that arise such as religion, political leanings and sports clubs, but how to set up a house, decide on a budget or even what to have for dinner one night might cause tension between them.
Who should compromise
There is no hard and fast rule about who should do the compromising in a relationship, but it should never be just one person. Each person should give their partner a fair chance by compromising on issues that are not really important to them, and this helps give the relationship balance to keep stress and tension at bay. If one person has to do all the compromising, they will eventually find the relationship is unworkable for them.
When to give in
Dragging out a disagreement hurts a relationship more the longer it lasts, so the decision to give in to a partner’s request should be done as soon as possible. Waiting to make them appreciate the compromise is often seen as petty and cruel, and it can make them resentful. Giving in as soon as the realization hits that the issue is not as important as originally thought it the best way to keep the relationship healthy and immediately reduce the frustration of a partner. It might be less visibly appreciated, but the easing between the two should be all the reward that is necessary.
The time to draw the line
There are issues where a person feels they will be giving up their own ethics if they compromise, so this is the time to refuse to compromise with a partner. Deep feelings about something may not always be justifiable, but the feelings are real. They should be honoured rather than ignored, and a partner should not press further when they are expressed. When any person in a relationship is willing to draw a line, they are telling their partner that the relationship may end if their view is not accepted.
Compromise from both partners
Many issues in life are not worth arguing about, and there are plenty of times when both partners should be willing to give up a little of something they want to keep their relationship from becoming tense. If each of them bends a little, there is less chance of breaking what they each see as a relationship worth keeping. Giving in as much as a partner does can create harmony between the two.
When it comes to small issues, there are few of them that are worth losing a good relationship. Continued frustration with a partner who refuses to give in causes tension and stress that can break the two apart and end the relationship. If the goal is to be lifetime partners, compromise is a necessity on even the small things.
