It’s OK to Compromise in Love

We’ve all seen couples who look harmonious on the surface, but have issues underneath. Their relationships are based on compromise as well as love. Personally I think compromise in a relationship is a good thing – couples showing empathy towards each other and being willing to work problems out have a much higher chance of staying together long term than those who don’t. But it’s amazing how many people despise compromise.

“Maybe they are together because of their children.”, “Maybe they are afraid of being alone or they are just worried that they will never find a better partner.” Really? How about if they were together because they wanted to be? It’s laziness and cowardice that lets people judge so easily. We are often quick to judge others who can’t find love.

Would you rather be single, or in a relationship based on compromise? Personally, I’d prefer occasional snuggling and intimacy, even if that was all that was on offer, to total isolation and some humiliating dating. With any relationship you have to set the rules of engagement up front, and ensure that both sides are happy with those rules. The ability to compromise isn’t always a weakness. It can be mature and tangible. There is not always one perfect option to a problem – so the ability to discuss things is important.

If you’re looking for and expecting perfection in a partner, then expect to come up against stubbornness, arrogance and cruelty. Something has to give. Having to compromise is already painful, but having to hate because of a lack of compromise is even more painful.