I have a confession to make: I have never been great in a relationship.
This might seem to be a surprising admission from someone writing a relationship column monthly, but until last year this was true.
Let me explain…
A relationship is a partnership and it takes both people to be successful. It is something stated often for a very good reason: it's true. A person can try hard to be a good partner. One can possess great communication skills, be loving, considerate, empathetic, and more. But greatness will not be achieved alone. Until a worthy partner is the other half of the relationship with the person making heroic efforts to be successful, it won't happen. Regardless of the effort made, it is not possible for one person to compensate for deficiencies in another.
So back to my self-admitted relationship mediocrity…
No matter how hard I tried in what would always be doomed relationships, I could not improve or repair them alone. I also could not reach a level of greatness that I wanted in my personal life either. Trying to fill in the deficiencies neither brought me greatness nor did I find these relationships personally satisfying.
What changed is simple: I changed partners.
Being in a relationship with someone who mirrors my desire to be successful in the relationship, feel fulfilled, create happiness for the other, is comfortable opening his heart to another, and has a strong desire to achieve greatness in a partnership made a difference. I find I am doing what I have always done, but with significantly different results.
I have awakened to my own greatness by realizing that to do so meant finding someone who had the ability and desire to work towards the greatness with me.
Being one half of a whole, relationship greatness can only be achieved together.
Have you discovered your own greatness in a relationship?
If so, please share below.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Have you discovered your own greatness in a relationship?
Well, I haven’t even tried being in a “relationship” so I wouldn’t know. LOL. But reading posts such as these actually give me an idea of what a relationship should be. My friends are often afraid for me, thinking that I would easily be “played” by guys because of my inexperience. I hope not. I like to believe that there are still good guys out there who wouldn’t do that.
Thanks for a great post!
Glori | Crazy Introvert´s Last Fabulous Post ..8 Painless and Easy Ways for Introverts to Recharge
Thanks for visiting Glori. I do believe there are good guys out there, but first you have to take the first step to be open to dating. Read my article here on Courage. It was published in March:
http://www.jungleoflife.com/the-courage-to-love/
Best of luck to you!
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Love Shining Brightly
I definitely know the feeling you have been writing about, I am not so good at my relationships as well. I’ve broke up with my last girlfriend a month ago, she has been my longest relationship with 7 months. I just can’t manage a relationship when things won’t fit as usual. When I need to step out of my comfort zone, I feel got lost and don’t want to solve the problems anymore, I just want to escape from the uncomfortable situation.
Peter,
It might help to work on being able to step out of your comfort zone in other areas of you life. Once you feel you are making progress there, it might be time to try being in a relationship again. You might be better prepared to be a partner.
Best of luck to you.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Love Shining Brightly
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about relationship. And I am glad to know that you are trying to be a good partner. This is the right way to do, if you really want to last your relationship forever.
Yes greatness is achieved together. Love it!
Kimbundance´s Last Fabulous Post ..Be Creative!
Thank you Kimbundance, for visiting and commenting. I am happy this piece resonated for you.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Casting Troubles Into the Sky
Hi, Kelly. I am truly, deeply inspired by your post. Especially this line:
“Regardless of the effort made, it is not possible for one person to compensate for deficiencies in another.”
Very true and I can attest to this. I have been in a relationship where I did my best to be a good partner but the other person simply took things for granted. I was sad and frustrated and it simply did not bring the best in me. Thank you so much for this post. I know I made a good decision and I’m faithful that someone else who mirrors my principles and beliefs is waiting to be my partner for life 🙂
Shelon´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fun Summer Activities for Kids
I can speak to this Shelon because I have also been where you were: in a relationship with someone not worthy of the effort I was making. What will always bring out the best in us is when we are happy and fulfilled in our lives–whether that is alone or with a loving partner.
Thank you for this inspiring comment….I feel a new post being formed in my mind right now.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Moment of Gratitude and Reflection
I really am very touched by this post, Kelly. I just got out of that relationship so the pain and memories are still fresh. It certainly did not bring the best in me but I’m happy and relieved that I found enough courage to let go.
Shelon´s Last Fabulous Post ..Positive Attitudes toward Mental Health
It is so difficult to let go, but it can often lead to greater happiness. It sounds like this is the situation for you. Have faith in that and be patient. Time will reveal something greater in your life.
Hang in there.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Is Commitment Phobia a Fear of Failure?
I think everybody knows how you feel Shelon, but you always need to remember that you split up for a reason. Also get rid of the things that would remind you of your partner. At least in the beginning this makes life a lot easier.
All the best
Drake
Drake´s Last Fabulous Post ..quotes and sayings by drake
Drake,
Great advice for Shelon. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..What Storybooks Won’t Teach You
This is so true! ‘Achieving greatness together”. We really can’t do it alone, or just from one side. That is why its so important to find someone with the same relationship goal as us. If that is something I can teach my daughter I will feel great!
I feel the same way about raising my kids; I want them to have a good understanding of what makes a solid relationship and how to be successful at choosing a life partner.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Eliminate Stress by Focusing on Happiness
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