Everybody knows that relationships are about give and take.
Sometimes equal giving and taking, and sometimes one is a giver, and the other a taker.
"Compromise and communication" - is what we read about in books, magazines, dating tips, newspaper columns etc. etc.
and while I understand the communication part, what I don't get is compromise.
How do you know if a compromise is a compromise and not a subtle manipulation/emotional blackmail/mindfucking on your boyfriend's part?
When does compromise end and selling yourself short begin?
Now don't get me wrong, i'm not saying women are completely innocent. In fact, beacuse we're such brilliant scheming creatures of the night, we probably do more mindfucking than the males. BUT, since I'm a girl and by default, bias, i shall assume men are the ones with tricks up their manipulative sleeves, wriggling themselves out of compromises that are, well, compromising for them.
I was thinking about my relationship and how much compromising I've done to make it work and honestly, it's not a lot.
However, what I have compromised are my parents' ideals about the type of guy I should be dating. (read: same religion)
And what I wonder is, is that already compromising too much?
After all, I do owe my parents a living, not my boyfriend of 8 months.
Personally, I'm fine with the bf being a free-thinker as long as he doesn't stop me from practicing my religion, I don't see a big problem.
Unfortunately, my religion requires my spouse to be from the same religion, but frankly, who's thinking about marriage now?
As an independent, living, breathing, thinking, logical individual, it doesn't make sense to me to pressure someone into doing something they don't feel comfortable doing because then, he might start feeling resentful.
If he was willing to do it... GOOD.
If not... Well, you wouldn't want your bf pressuring you into losing weight would you?
(when you know you are already fabulous as you are, the jerk.)
Even though it makes sense not to expect so much from him, why do I still feel like my parents are right?
Have I compromised without him reciprocating?
Is it too much to ask for me to want him to try?
Is it just religion that is such an 'iffy' issue? If so, then what about in other aspects?
For example, lowering your expectations because he isn't exactly your ideal man; acting out a fantasy of his even if it made you a little uncomfortable; giving up pursuing a dream because his takes him somewhere else and you love him too much to let go.
When is it ok to compromise and when does it become nothing but giving on your part?
If your guy tried to compromise but it wasn't enough, would it be ok that at least he tried?
What would you really be compromising by giving in? A temporary truce?
Or something much more? - like your status and importance in the relationship. Would your guy then feel that he calls the shots?
What would you compromise before realising enough is enough? And how do we tell if enough is enough?
I wish I had the answers but as I go through these unnecessarily paranoid questions, I can't help but wonder, if the tables were turned and he was the one who needed me to change, would I do so?
Is it true that women tend to give in more simply because
men have bigger egos and therefore find it difficult to compromise (or ask for directions)
and women are more peace-making?
I hate to think so.
At this point of time all I can say is, I have probably compromised more than I should have.
My religion is important to me... Despite my very non-religious attitude..
And as my relationship gets more serious, this has become a bigger issue but it almost feels like since I've taken it easy all this time,
I'm not allowed to bring it up as a problem anymore because that would be terribly hypocritical of me.
So girls, please.. Do think carefully about what you're compromising.
Don't compromise for temporary ceasefires.
Negotiate for fucking world peace.