How to .... Compromise

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

16 May 2007 04:51 AM

Compromise is difficult at the best of times and when you add passion, love and strong-minds to the mix then you may discover that compromise falls into the pretty words category. From our first steps to our mornings in Kindergarten to growing up, we're required to compromise or lose out on friends, social events and in some cases even grades.

Guide to Compromise

As a parent now, I know I am talking to my daughter all the time about compromising all the time and that there are a few things that I am always saying to her. I can't think if my parents said the same things to me about compromise, though one would imagine that they did. Still, coming to a compromise when you first get married seems like it will be easy enough, but there are some key tips in learning to compromise that will help you and your spouse to succeed at the art of compromise.

So keep the following in mind when you are learning how to compromise:

• Compromise benefits both of you
• Compromise often allows both of you to get your way
• Compromise means that you keep the lines of communication open
• Compromise requires forgiveness to keep resentment and bitterness from building between you
• Compromise means discussing your feelings, don't let hurt or disappointment build; talk to your spouse about how you are feeling especially if something is very important to you
• Compromise means keeping an open mind, don't just assume your spouse is out to get you; instead try to see things from their perspective and recognize that they have needs too
• Compromise means determining how much your point of view or getting your way is worth it to you; in other words if it's not as important to you whether you go to a seafood restaurant or a steak house then head off to eat where your spouse really wants to go
• Compromise invites you to examine the pros and cons of any issue that you are debating

Compromise can help you avoid a multitude of problems and provide you and your spouse a rational way to solve problems. When a couple masters compromise, they can avoid any number of disagreements turning into arguments or battles.

What advice would you give to a couple about compromise?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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