There would be no Apple,
no Microsoft, no Amazon without her. Rashad, a CFO, was admired by many colleagues
because of his work ethic. But few saw how Rashad avoided spending any time at
home, where his wife was glued to the television, leaving their four children
to act out constantly. To cope with such stress, Rashad had extramarital
affairs in the office. This act nearly cost him his job.
Failed relationships can
cost the individuals concerned, the organizations they work in and even society
as a whole. A Prince or Princess Charming is as scarce as hen’s teeth. Because
of committing messy as well as imperfect people in life who want different
things at different times, all relationships become messy as well as imperfect.
We should know ourselves really, really well to figure out what really matters
at the end of the day. Also, if we can recognize our own weaknesses, we may
grow more tolerant of other people’s faults. Instead of looking for Mr and Ms
Perfect, we should look for Mr and Ms Good Enough.
We can’t deny that
physical attractiveness is often behind the desire to date someone in the first
place. Finding someone attractive can make for fun times. But long-term
commitment needs intimacy of a very different order than just want. According
to some research, this stage of infatuation lasts only up to three years. What
do you believe might happen to your career options then?
If you are feeling
incomplete, do not mislead yourself that having a partner will solve your
problem. In stable or mature relationships, two people with their own identity,
perspectives as well as interests do things by and for themselves on their own
time.
Most people mention
trust in the context of jealousy. If trust is broken through an affair, it
obviously takes quite some time to rebuild it. However, trust goes much more
extensive than questions of fidelity. It is critical to any relationship, be it
in your personal or professional life. Are you sure that your (business or
love) partner will hang in there when the going gets tough? Strong
relationships are also built on mutual respect. This means you admire your
spouse’s intellect and creativity. Failing mutual respect, each party may start
hiding the truth for fear of criticism, so that secrets become par for the
course. This kind of dynamic nearly sank a giant like Nokia. Moreover, lack of mutual
respect opens the door wide for situations like infidelity in your personal
life.
As flawed human beings,
we all make errors. Your partner will make errors too. That’s why growing the
ability to forgive is critical for lasting relationships. Once you plant seeds
of anger, they can grow into a level of discontent that will break your
relationship. Forgiveness allows you to move beyond your hurt and guilt, to
heal and to grow.
Individual space is
crucial in any relationship. However, some people are scared of giving the
other freedom as well as independence. Often, this derives from insecurity or a
lack of trust. The more uncomfortable you are with your self-worth, the more
you may attempt to control your spouse’s behavior. In a relationship, each of
you should have your own interests, hobbies and friends. While a degree of
overlap is significant, having different interests means you will always have
something to talk about. Always remember to balance time together with time for
yourself.
In a couple, when
something bothers both parties, they must be willing to have conversations
which is not comfortable and speak up. Whether at work or at home, these
relevant conversations raise trust which in turn build intimacy. When things
aren’t working well in your relationship, instead of talking about it with
other people, it’s most important talking it out with your partner. We can’t
deny that there will be arguments in every relationship. The question is not
how you can avoid them, but how you will deal with them when they happen.
Resist the urge to be right. Whatever the problem may be, making your partner
feel like a loser won’t solve anything.
When you devote yourself
to someone, you have no idea who they will be in five or ten years. As time
passes, you will both evolve in unexpected and different ways. But whatever
those changes turn out to be, always welcome your spouse’s growth as well as
development. Moreover, you should never cease to work on yourself. The key is
to find a way to involve your partner in this process.
A good relationship can
assist you rise in your career. Considering the challenges ahead, it’s
essential for you to find and to be a life partner who is fully supportive. As
a person follows his dreams and desires, his spouse can either be his greatest
support system or his worst burden.
Sources:
1. Forbes
2. INSIDER
3. The Daily Star