When it comes to making decisions with your spouse, do you feel like a doormat?Or, perhaps, it's you who always calls the shots and your spouse meekly obliges, to the point where you feel he or she no longer supports the relationship.A lifetime of cooperation, ever-growing love and continued respect for one another is dependent on compromise between spouses.You can learn how to start compromising in your marriage.
Step 1: To collect wins for the relationship.
When a couple disagrees, each partner tries to prove that he or she is right.This increases the distance between you.It can be hard to be right in a relationship.Each player has a role to play in the win.Everyone loses if one player loses.A chance for the relationship is provided by compromise.To win rather than just one of you.You are more likely to reach a solution that benefits the well-being of your relationship if you keep this in mind.Take a break and think about what being right is doing for the relationship as a whole when you and your partner are vying to be right.Don't let your pride affect your bond with your spouse.The resolution that fosters growth and success for the relationship should be reached.
Step 2: Each of you should make a pros and cons list.
To reach a mutually beneficial solution, it may be a good idea to take a step back.Each of you can create a two-column list of pros and cons, including how the issue meshes with your personal beliefs and values.If the benefits of the decision outweigh the drawbacks, discuss them aloud.Issues that go against one of your personal beliefs may require more compromise from one partner than the other.You don't have to sacrifice your values to reach a conclusion.
Step 3: A session about ideas.
If you are debating a complex issue, you may want to ponder potential avenues over a period of days or weeks rather than jumping to a conclusion.You can come up with a list of ways you can handle the problem.You can discuss the list with family or friends.Sleeping on the issue and letting it sit for a while may help you reach a natural conclusion once the emotions die down.Imagine if your spouse received a promotion that required a cross-country move.The two of you might consider the pros and cons of more money for the household versus one spouse having to leave his or her current job.You can discuss the matter with your parents or children.Even if the initial change is hard, you might agree to go forward with it if everyone can see that the move might be beneficial.
Step 4: Speak up
It is time for you to start saying how you feel, offering your opinions and giving your take on what you would like to do in your marriage.Taking baby steps will improve your confidence.When your partner asks about something seemingly small, such as an outfit or what movie to watch, give an answer.Slowly but surely, you will start to feel more comfortable using your voice.If you have to, say no.You have to expect that you won't always be able to meet your partner's every need.You have the right to say no.If your spouse asks for a favor, you might say, "I'm sorry, I can't right now, honey."Can we work on something else?
Step 5: It is important to recognize when you are compromising too little.
Marriage is about taking and giving.At some point, both of you will have to make some kind of sacrifice.It is one thing when you are always taking and never giving.If compromising for the sake of the relationship requires that your partner turn his or her back on core values and beliefs, you may need to up your compromising skills.A one-sided relationship that doesn't allow you or your partner to be who you are is not healthy.If your partner is always bending to meet your needs, you should see a counselor.
Step 6: Don't assume anything.
There will always be things you don't know about one another, no matter how long you've been together.Relationships are hard work as you both grow and change over time.The growth of the relationship can be prevented by making assumptions.How do you know when it's time to make them?You are probably making an assumption when you feel rejected, neglected, hurt, or have an urge to blame your partner for something.If you want to maintain an open dialogue with one another, ask questions and not assume you know anything about your partner.
Step 7: Check your motives.
Emotions can make it hard to compromise.You might fight your spouse on an issue that is not very important to you if you feel upset or angry.It is a good idea to see what is really driving you during a disagreement.Are you invested in this issue or just disagreeing to prove a point?In order to claim a win for the relationship, if you don't feel strongly about the issue, you need to be relentless.Don't let your emotions divide you.You're resentful about having to leave your group of friends in the area because your spouse got a promotion that required a big move.Despite knowing that the move would mean more income for the household, you might fight your spouse on the issue.Let your feelings be known instead of standing in the way of progress.I'm sad that I have to leave my friends.Will there be enough money in the budget for me to visit them a few times a year?
Step 8: You should watch your tone.
Sometimes the tone of your voice can cause your spouse to put his or her defenses up.It is not always what you say that matters.Your spouse will react differently if you start a tense conversation with a soft, warm tone.Don't start the conversation if you have something important to say.Use "I" statements that minimize blame and use a friendly, affectionate tone.Don't use sarcasm or accusations that will push the discussion into a bad place.
Step 9: You should keep an open mind.
Compromise involves seeing things from your spouse's perspective and trying to find a middle ground.You reduce the likelihood of reaching a peaceful resolution if you remain rigid in your point-of-view.
Step 10: Listen to what you are told.
In order to prepare a response, most people listen.Listen to your spouse to understand what he or she is trying to say.Ask questions to better understand.To be a good listener, you need to turn to face your spouse and make eye contact.If full-on eye contact is too intimidating, sit side-by-side and occasionally meet his or her eyes.Your spouse can get his or her full message across before you respond.Paraphrasing what he or she said is important.Asking clarifying questions to clear up any misunderstanding.Adding your own response after the above has been done.
Step 11: Reminders around your environment are helpful.
Conflict resolution requires compromise.You may fall back into your old ways of disagreeing early on.You can remind yourself to follow better habits by posting small reminders in your home, car, office or wallet.These can be quotes from the Bible or something else that helps."It's better to bend a little than to break" and "Compromise equals a win for the relationship" are examples.
Step 12: There are ways to compromise in daily life.
Learning compromise is the key to a happy relationship from here on.It is possible to make suggestions that take into account both parties.If your spouse does an activity of yours next time, you may be able to agree to it.Stick to it if you set a date.Adding in your ideas as well as agreeing to do some of the activity that your spouse desires is a true combination of both your perspectives and desires.Sharing tasks that neither enjoys doing can be done by creating task charts.vacuuming might be a chore taken on by one spouse most of the time except when they are unwell, away, or really busy.The other spouse can pick up on the fact that the spouse will return to the task when the situation is resolved, rather than the new arrangement turning into the norm.The spouse who is lumped with an unfair level of chores can be very frustrated.It was agreed to give each other time out from household and parenting duties on a regular basis.The expectation of free time will be given to both spouses rather than being assumed that the other spouse will notice how much I work.