The secret to a successful relationship is compromise, amongst other things. However, sometimes the idea of compromise is being overly gratified.
To compromise is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of their demand. In arguments, compromise is a concept of finding agreement through communication, through a mutual acceptance of terms—often involving variations from an original goal or desires.
Wikipedia.
Compromise leaves both parties unsatisfied in some cases and in other cases we find that only one party is making all the compromises which may breed some form of resentment in the end.
For example, I want to play video games and my partner wants to watch a football match. We end up just watching a movie since that's the middle ground. Neither one of us is satisfied.
On the face value of it, compromise seems like a great option. A party lets go of something just to suit the other or finding a middle ground that may either be satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
In the long run, it may leave one of the parties exhausted. Because they are constantly having to leg go, even when it is not beneficial just to "save the relationship".
Instead of compromise, I believe more in negotiations. The key thing about negotiation is that both parties are satisfied with the end result, hence nobody feels cheated on.
Negotiation is a strategic discussion that resolves an issue in a way that both parties find acceptable.
Investopedia.
Negotiation gives both parties the freedom to demand for what they want in exchange for what their partner wants. In this way, no one is left dissatisfied or exhausted.
For example, I want to eat rice and my partner wants pizza. We can conclude and eat rice today and pizza tomorrow. This way nobody had to give up anything and we are both satisfied with how it went.
Negotiation means you don't necessarily have to give up anything, you just have to make room to accommodate what your partner is asking for. This way everyone has the power to determine the end result of the negotiation.
When negotiation is involved, no partner is pressured or feels like they have to find a middle ground. They are both satisfied knowing you can have your way and I can also have your way. In a way it builds intimacy.
I choose negotiation over compromise because why settle for less when you can have more.
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