If you are in a relationship and not getting every single thing that you want out if it, ask yourself: do you want a relationship that meets the full laundry list of your requirements or do you want a relationship with a particular person that doesn’t seem to meet them all? The approach is different for each.
Whenever you think you are clear on what you need from a mate to be happy there is invariably a list created in your head. Your significant other should have this and be that. If you are a reasonable person, your list eventually shortens from a bunch of wants to foundational needs. That list includes things like willingness to communicate rather than things like tall, dark and handsome. Even with a reasonable list of realistic needs, the person applying for the job may not fulfill the entire list. Do you give up a great person to check off your complete list? There isn’t a wrong answer to that question, only a wrong answer for YOU.
If all the items on your list are a must have then the how-to is simple: compare your list to your suitor and proceed accordingly. However, you have signed up for a journey akin to taking the “precious” to Mordor under the scrutinizing eye of Lord Sauron (for you non-geeks, that’s a Lord of the Rings reference). In plain English, you have chosen to exercise grave patience. Most people don’t know if the person that has everything on their list exists because they won’t finish the search to find out.
If a person has come along that is evaluated to be worth taking a chance on despite not meeting the full list, then you have a whole different ball game. Choosing a person to be your companion over the full list you feel your companion should have begins a hefty battle. Once you’ve decided on a person rather than ALL the things you think you would need from someone in the position you have given them, your approach has to change. Instead of that person measuring up to your standards, most of your interaction with that person will be you adjusting your standards. All the things about a person that you thought would make you happy are replaced by a person and all their flaws that you’ve chosen to create your happiness with. Picking that person includes picking their decision making, picking their personality, picking their way to receive and give love, etc… You will need a plethora of acceptance and perseverance. BUT what do you know… that’s what long lasting relationships need anyway. You just may find out that the happiness from being with the person you’ve chosen is far better than the totality of any list you could have created.
As always, I encourage you to share your experience or debate mine!!
STFU For A Better Relationship 