When 2 Become 1: How to Maintain a Balanced Relationship

In relationships, people weave their lives together. They blend into a harmonious union, combining each other in a singular life. However, this doesn’t mean a balanced relationship is automatic. Often, one overpowers the other, causing the connection to tip and one side to feel inadequate.

When this happens, what should be done to restore the stability of a healthy relationship in which both partners feel supported and empowered?

Is Balance Good in a Relationship?

With countless content about relationships popping up on social media, who gets the proper credit and authority can become confusing. Not to mention, these materials are often contradictory; what’s suitable for one person may be deemed toxic by another or vice versa.

While this happens, and validly, for that matter, given that what works for one couple may not be effective for another, it must be understood that toxicity in relationships is universal. One commonly overlooked sign of toxicity is the lack of a balanced relationship.

Multiple creators encourage lovers to play this sort of tug-of-war with their affection. They’re often reminded that one side should always love the other more for the relationship to flourish. But is this the proper dynamic?

It doesn’t take a genius to understand how incorrect this ideology is.

After all, when it’s almost always one side that gives, it won’t take long for them to run out of the love they give and burn out. The truth is, while it sounds romantic to be loved more than how we love, relationships benefit from balance the most.

There should always be an equal give and take between partners. There may come a time when one gives more, but there should be a moment of reversal, where the other gives back what their partner has given.

When do people realize there’s an imbalance, and how do they shift this around?

How to Maintain a Balanced Relationship?

According to Angelo and Tj Haygood’s How to Build a Successful Marriage: 39 Activities to a Healthier & Happier Marriage, balance is integral in keeping relationships afloat. Think of relationships as boats; if one side tips deeper than the other, there’s no questioning what happens after.

If you want tips and tricks for maintaining a balanced relationship, check out the book here!

Such a situation is also appropriate for relationships and marriages.

A balanced relationship ensures both sides are seen, heard, and empowered. They’re given the love they deserve and give out the affection and passion they’re able to provide. This type of relationship is built on trust, respect, and loyalty. It occurs when both partners feel what they have is true and are not afraid of giving what they can. It’s marked by commitment and understanding that they’re equal.

Finding balance in relationships requires conscious effort. It may not be easy, but with the right person, it also isn’t impossible. Here’s how couples achieve a balanced relationship:

Be Open to Vulnerability

Honesty is one of the primary pillars of healthy and thriving relationships. However, someone who isn’t comfortable being vulnerable can’t provide this, regardless of its benefits. No relationship would nurture a deep and authentic bond unless partners learn to break their walls down. Trust becomes at risk when a relationship isn’t grounded in this sense of openness.

Partners won’t have a balanced point of honesty if one cannot fully let go and allow the other in. This brings about an unbalanced relationship instead of the contrary. Being vulnerable is knowing what one wants and can give, making the relationship clear where it stands.

Be Affectionate and Show Appreciation

People, especially girls, are told that men don’t want them clingy. They’re deceived by the idea that they shouldn’t be openly affectionate if they don’t want to scare men away. To the wrong man or someone emotionally unavailable, this can be true. But to someone whose heart craves the other as much as they do, this is absolutely wrong.

If it’s in someone’s nature to be affectionate, wouldn’t withdrawing it simply lying about who they are? On the other hand, if men or their partners don’t receive enough love because of this belief, wouldn’t the relationship be sad? Most would even blame themselves for being inadequate in receiving the love they want.

When this happens, the balanced relationship tips until it turns over, leaving partners cold and lost in their emotions.

Make the Relationship a Priority

For the relationship to stabilize, both partners should understand that what they have preceded any other relationship. Admittedly, it can be hard to balance everything else with love. But if one establishes limits and boundaries, the relationship can find healthy ground to thrive on.

Time is essential in a balanced relationship. Hence, when every other priority is on the table and requires attention, partners must remember to make time for each other.

Make Compromises

Even in balanced relationships, conflict is ever-present. However, what differentiates a healthy connection from others is that there is a balanced means of compromise. Both parties ensure to meet halfway, if possible. They work on conflicts and arguments until they’re equally satisfied and content with the solution.

It’s essential that nobody feels that the resolution is unfair. Hence, they must find solutions that work best for both.