Having a different opinion towards certain things happens a lot in everyday life, be it with your family, friends, or lovers. When coming into a disagreement, we want our values and perspectives to be understood and accepted. But going to terms with our differences does not always result in a good outcome. Sometimes people are too lazy to argue; hence, they agree to disagree or pay ignorance despite acknowledging the problems.
Some hold onto a blind hope, wishing that their partner will change over time and start to agree with what you've always believed. In relationships, sometimes those differences can become a rock along the way where it can cause you to feel like you're two different ends of a magnet.
 Ilustrasi relationship/ Foto: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels |
Age differences
We have our preferences when it comes to a partner in a relationship. Looks and personalities are two major criteria that most people pay attention to, but for some, preference in age is also important. Some women prefer dating older men because they are more likely to be financially stable, wiser, and mature. Some would prefer younger ones because they want an outgoing partner who is lively to be with and able to bring something different to the table.
Political differences
In some countries, politics play a heavy role in everyday life to the point where it can affect relationships. Sometimes it can get stressful, especially during the election period where the conversations would revolve around politics. Political disagreement between romantic partners creates doubt about their compatibility with core values and beliefs. These differences could turn into rivalry instead of partners in the same team. To come to terms with political differences is to grow mutual respect between you and your partner.
Religion differences
Differences in religion can either bring doom to an existing relationship or prevent one from blooming. Being in an interfaith relationship can be challenging and can cause a crack in the foundation of the relationship. If you are going to fight for your relationship, make sure you respect each other's beliefs and figure out what works best for your relationship.
Lifestyle differences
This case could be spotted in smoker and non-smoker couples or vegan and non-vegan couples. If you're going through this difference, it's highly important not to shove your lifestyle into their face and force them to consume it as well. Nobody would appreciate such treatment. To be on the same page would take so much effort and time, so you'd better be mindful about it.
 Ilustrasi cinta dengan pasangan/ Foto: Cottonbro/Pexels |
If you find yourself in the middle of a relationship where your beliefs don't align, make sure to talk it out together with your partner calmly and honestly. Try to listen to your partner's ideas and see where they're coming from. Find common grounds, but don't force anything. All in all, know your boundaries. In other words, it's crucial to figure out how many differences are too different.
If you feel like it's something that you and your partner aren't likely to compromise with, it might be time to stop and think through how this could affect the future of your relationship. However, if it's with the partner you love, everything is worth fighting for. This may sound like another hopeless romantic B.S, but love has the power to transcend any barriers and overcome any bumps within your relationship. So, one thing you can do at the moment is: love hard.
(HAI/MEL)