Relationship is compromise

Compromise

It amazes me how many people have to have things their way or no way.  What ever happened to the art of compromise? 

Dictionary.com says compromise, as a verb, means to “settle a dispute by mutual concession.”

Mutual concession =

two, or more, sides giving in just a little, to bring about an agreeable conclusion.   Sometimes, one side will give in more than another, but if that is agreeable to all parties to make the deal work, then it’s still a compromise.

The willingness, and ability, to compromise can be very useful.  You can compromise with a

·         Spouse

·         Child

·         Sibling

·         Family member

·         Friend

·         Co-worker

·         Boss

·         Neighbor

·         Or total stranger

You never know when the need to compromise may arise.

This spring, Jim and I made a huge decision, based on compromise.

We bought a “winter condo” but took on some debt to do it. Jim is uncomfortable with debt and suggested, numerous times, that we sell our house and move year-round to the winter condo. I’m not quite ready to do that. We have grandchildren in Virginia, and I’d like to see them out of high school before we move too far away. Hmmm.

The conversation came up a few times before I realized it was the debt he wanted to be rid of, not the location. So, I suggested we sell our current home, to a smaller one that would allow us to be debt free. Jim thought about it for a couple of days and concluded that was a good compromise, keeping both parties happy.  And so it is.

If you know anyone looking for a home in the Raleigh, NC area our home is on the market.  It has

·         4 bedrooms

·         3 full baths

·         Upstairs bonus room

·         Downstairs master

·         4 season room

·         Fenced yard with raised garden beds

·         6 person hot tub

·         Whole house generator

If you’d like the link reach out, I’m happy to share it with you.

Back to our original conversation:

Try not having a “winner” or “loser” in a conflict situation.  Compromising can be the “not perfect” answer.  After all, who among us is perfect?  We can often be happy with good enough or almost perfect.  So, give a little.  You’d be surprised what it can do for a relationship.