One thing’s for sure… men and women are definitely two totally different species! There’s absolutely no doubt that there are many differences between the sexes, but that doesn’t have to be a problem. Though it certainly will be… if you let it!
The secret to success in any relationship, is to accept that differences exist and then use those differences to enhance your relationship. There’s no point dwelling on the things that are different, that will get you nowhere… fast! The best option by far is to make sure you use the differences to your best advantage.
So, the big question is, “How do you do that?”
The most important thing to remember about your relationship is that both you and your partner are working together… you’re on the same team! Though sometimes, when you see people arguing and fighting with each other all the time, it seams as though they’re on opposing teams!
And which teams are most successful? The teams that work together of course! But, not only that… the most successful teams have ‘players’ to fill every position… players with different talents or skills. After all, where would a baseball team be if it had 9 great pitchers and no hitters? Where would a football team (soccer for my American friends!) be with eleven outstanding forwards and no defenders (defence!)?
Get my point? I’m sure you do. So the secret then is to harness and utilize the different skills and talents that each of you have in order to help the team perform to the best of its ability. By working with each other, by using each others talents, your relationship will grow from strength to strength.
OK, that’s all very well, you may be thinking, but what about the things we have in common? Won’t it be a problem if we’re both impulsive or if we both like to take the lead on things? Of course you may not be thinking that at all… but since you’re still reading… hey… let’s see this through!
This is where that wonderful word, compromise, comes in! Let’s go back to our sporting analogy and look at our baseball team. If we only had one decent pitcher, we’d be in big trouble if he were to get injured or if he was just having a bad day… even the best pitchers have an occasional bad day! When that happens it’s important to have some back-up… yes, you’ve got it… we need a stand-in pitcher to take over!
My guess is you’re way ahead of me now… but just in case you’re not… the same applies in relationships. If both of you like to lead then simply take it in turns. Let your partner lead sometimes… and on other occasions, you take the lead. That way, if one of you is having a bad day, the other can take over. How cool is that?
Look, if you take nothing else from this article, just remember that you’re in your relationship together. Forget about egos. Forget about scoring points by winning arguments. Work as a team… for the good of the team… always. You are both star players. You are both equal.
So acknowledge your differences and use them to help your relationship grow. At the same time, embrace your common talents and use them to help your relationship grow too!
Make today a great day!
Keith L Jones
