Q: My partner and I are so different. Can you have a good marriage with someone whom you apparently have nothing in common?
Most couples have many differences. Just like the North and South poles of a magnet, opposites attract at least to a degree. It is not necessary to be interested in what your partner is interested in, but it is necessary to be interested in your partner’s enthusiasm for activities or topics that you may have little or no enthusiasm yourself for. Tune into him and his energy. If he likes fishing and you would not be caught anywhere in a boat, show your excitement about his excitement about catching that big fish. That is what is important. With this attitude, you have now found your first similarity- you both celebrate his interest in fishing! Of course, he needs to be tuned into what sparks you as well.
Of course, some differences are more challenging and compromise is necessary. If you are an extreme extrovert and your partner is an extreme introvert, put the energy into finding a healthy compromise. Maybe, you spend a quiet evening just with your spouse and turn down the big party invitation one weekend. He reciprocates by going to the next big party and endures his anxiety with as much grace as possible. Since you did not marry your clone, negotiation, compromise and most of all an acceptance of differences is a winning combination to make a partnership work.
Related posts:
- There is NO PLEASING MY PARTNER! Myth or Reality?
- Falling Back in Love With Your Partner
- Can We Ever Feel Close Again?
- Creating Intensity to Revive a Marriage- Part 1
- Roommates and Lovers-Dealing with Low Sexual Desire
Tags: communication, feeling closer to my husband, increasing passion, marriage, marriage improvement, passion, Stop fighting, understanding your mate
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