Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Relationship Advice - Have a Partner, not Competitor

By Lynn Thomas


Being in a relationship not easy, everyone knows that. What puts a huge strain on a relationship is when your partner begins to feel like you are no longer supporting him, but are suddenly in competition with him. Reading the subtle signs that this is becoming a problem can help you nip this problem before it is too late.

This can be a real problem in relationships between people who are both ambitious and competitive. By the time you notice it, it may have already driven a wedge between you and him. Rori Raye describes "boy energy" as that aggressive approach that women use to achieve great things. This 'boy energy' can completely wreck your relationship. It is important to avoid letting this happen by paying attention to the warning signs.

It should be easy to tell if this is a problem for you. He may suddenly shy away from competitive activities, like board games or exercise. If he declines your invitations to participate in competitive activities consistently, you can be sure that there is trouble in paradise.

There are a lot of ways you can throw off the balance in your relationship. Whether making jokes at his expense, or giving him a hard time when he can't keep up with you on a jog, these little jabs will make him feel as though you are not supportive of him, and that you lack respect for him.

The reason why this is so destructive to an otherwise healthy relationship is that the role you play in his life should be one of love, respect, and acceptance. When he feels that these things are threatened, he begins to doubt the stability of your relationship, and his confidence is challenged. These seeds of doubt can make a relationship unravel.

As soon as you sense that there is a problem, it is imperative that you begin to seek solutions. Rather than asking why he is bent out of shape, you need to begin by asking why you feel a need to compete with him. Is it your own insecurity that is driving your actions? Only when you are truly secure in yourself and your relationship, will you be willing to give the praise and support he desires rather than taking it for yourself.

This one little piece of relationship advice can save you so much grief! Turn the situation around and ask yourself how you would feel if he left you in the dust every time you went for a jog, or if he pouted every time you beat him at a game. Turn the tables by being sensitive to competitive situations and diffusing them through compassion. Celebrate his victories both publicly and in private. By giving him the spotlight rather than stealing it away from him, you can make him feel like you are in a partnership rather than a contest.

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