How to Compromise in a Relationship

Compromising in romantic relationships is finding the middle ground between you and your partner’s wishes, habits, or preferences. Compromise means partners come together for critical decision-making around how they will live together, spend their time, or accomplish chores. Sometimes, couples can deduce compromises on their own, arriving at win-win scenarios. Sometimes, they will seek out couples therapy to work through how one partner expresses their needs and responds to their partner's needs.

Compromise in relationships is key to each partner’s happiness, well-being, and mental health. Compromising is a way to respect your partner’s feelings, bringing you closer and enhancing mutual trust. Seeing things from your partner’s point of view can also increase your empathy and understanding of each other. Compromise also has personal benefits: When couples lead from a spirit of generosity, they can support each other when either partner needs care.

Without compromise, couples may find themselves drifting apart. A lack of compromise can lead to bitterness; one member of the couple might feel like their partner is stubborn and selfish. This can also make a partner feel used and undervalued, which is a red flag in relationships.

There are various ways to practice compromise in relationships. Consider the following examples:

1. 1. Split up the house duties. One partner might cook, and another might do the dishes. One may make the bed if the other vacuums. Divvying up chores can help show there is equality in a relationship.
2. 2. Participate in each other’s hobbies. Practicing hobbies together can help build experiential trust. Partners should feel comfortable pursuing individual interests, and they can also include their partners in their hobbies to make it a shared experience.
3. 3. Take turns with caretaking. Taking care of children or older family members can strain healthy relationships. Take turns with caretaking responsibilities.
4. 4. Travel in ways that are good for both parties. Everyone has travel preferences. Some people like relaxing vacations by the beach, others prefer exploring a new city or doing outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Plan a holiday that can accommodate both travel styles, or rotate what kinds of trips you take. Solo trips can also be suitable for some fresh air and time apart.
5. 5. Communicate clearly about money. Some homes are two-income households; some are one. To ensure that finances do not strain a relationship, it is essential to communicate about expenses and limits on spending.

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