What it Means to Be Compatible

Much has been said about compatibility with regard to relationships. This can affect both business relationships, as well as those of a more personal nature. What determines the nature of this compatibility? Is it simply the things we share in common, or is there more to it? I believe there are many contributing factors.

Relationships are a very complicated matter, both in business, and in our everyday lives with regard to those closest to us. I think compatibility should relate not only to our commonalities, but to our differences as well. These should at least complement each other.

The things we have in common are often the things that bring us together. That is an obvious fact. However, I believe it may well be our differences that can keep us together. Our differences are what makes us interesting to one another. That has been my experience, at least.

After all, do we not admire those who can do things we cannot? Even when we choose not to admit it, there is a certain respect that we feel for those with talents we do not necessarily possess. As long as we are careful not to let that respect degenerate into petty jealousy, it can be a great boon to any relationship.

A good way to do this is to look at how your partner's differences may even compliment your own. For example, if you are good with words, but your partner is better with math, this can be beneficial, whether it is a business relationship, or that or a spouse or life partner. In business, you could be the one who handles the communications, and your partner could deal with keeping track of the figures. In the case of a personal relationship, you could handle the social or everyday scheduling requirements, while your partner handles the financial end of things.

In times of disagreement, it would behoove us to remember such "little things". Was it not your partner's way with a joke that thrilled you to no end in the beginning? Just because it seems to get them more attention at parties now is no reason to get jealous, or become offended that the attention is not yours.

Find your own talents, and build upon those instead. This is even an area where we can help one another. We can always endeavor to learn from each other. If we open our minds and hearts to appreciate the value of our own uniqueness, as well as that of our partner's, we may find refreshing qualities in both that we had been taking for granted, or may have not even noticed before. Instead of driving us apart, these things should bring us closer together, and let us find how compatible we truly are, in both our similarities and our differences.