Romantic relationships – a heavy topic. We all desire connectedness, love, respect, and companionship. In todays very tough economical times, having stability in our relationship with our partner is so very important. Continue reading for a fun exercise that can only make your relationship stronger and healthier.
We all desire to experience and share love, but yet we are all very unique individuals. A persons uniqueness can lead some couples to have more in common than others. Then there are couples who are drawn together because of their differences. Couples must be willing to grow to understand each other’s full natures. Impartial curiosity must be allowed to move them beyond their attachments so they can learn more by exploring each others values.
We are all guilty at times of trying to change the other person and to blame the other if something is making us unhappy. It is crucial to move beyond the need to be right and to seek the deeper answers, which will help both to learn how to relate on a level of deep awareness. Perhaps then any differences will blur and soften because of a stronger understanding of each others intentions and this will produce a greater compassion for each others values and needs.
It is so easy to get into a blaming state of mind. But it is imperative to a healthy relationship to release the need to blame. To have a bridge of support we must move beyond pettiness. The bridge itself can be the common ground for better communication. Throw away the blame and the need to be right and embrace compassion.
A wonderful exercise for couples is for each person to make a list of their own values. Then on that list mark which values are negotiable and which ones are non-negotiable. While doing this exercise leave judgement behind and use curiosity. You will discover what your partners deeper intentions are as well as your own. Each person will see that who their partner is is who they are. The desire to change the other person will lesson. Perhaps each person will see that there is no right and wrong. Differences are not necessarily wrong or negative. Both people have values and they are important to respect.
In understanding each others values, a neutrality can be built. When a conflict arises each partner can see a the other may not be coming from a place of selfishness, but rather a place of love. This is why a deep understanding of each others values are crucial. In a neutral place compromise is possible. By taking inventory of greater values, each will come to understand that everyone has different needs and why they are expressed the way they are. Needs will never be met by trying to change the other person.
Having open discussions of what you learn will be helpful in solving problems and conflicts, especially if they have been building for some time.
If your partner is currently unwilling to do this value exercise with you, you can still make a list of your negotiable and non-negotiable values. This self-awareness may be enough to change the dynamics of your relationship, creating an open space for your partner to make a shift. Being in touch with your authentic self can never hurt.
The Reflective Self 