When one partner wants to be respected for his or her thinking, he/she must ask how their partner feels about it.
The same is true when one partner wants to share feelings. It’s best if he/she asks what their partner thinks.
If you tell your partner what you think then ask what he/she thinks … you’re striking a business deal.
Sharing feelings to feelings is a friendship.
(Not saying you can’t have “business deals” and “friendships” inside of a romantic relationship … there are appropriate moments for sure … just be aware!)
2. Romantic Tragedy
This is the most passionate Style of Relationship. By far the most dramatic. And it can be a lot of fun.
Until your body gives out and your emotions are crazed.
And you could die.
Seriously. (Remember O.J., anyone?)
A Romantic Tragedy is your classic “co-dependent” relationship. It’s often known as “Master/Slave.”
It’s a relationship style where one partner is respected for his/her thoughts AND feelings. And the other partner gets no vote.
Then the roles change.
“I love you. I hate you. I love you. I hate you.”
You come, you go, you come, you go.
Well … You get the idea.
3. Romantic Comedy
Romantic Comedy is the most intimate Style of Relationship.
It’s also the most clumsy.
You’re more likely to stumble over your partner’s toes.
A Romantic Comedy is like a waltz. It’s a relationship with one designated leader and one designated follower.
In Duty Dating, my feature length romantic comedy, I used the example of one designated driver and one designated passenger.
The driver of the relationship is respected for his/her thoughts.
The passenger is cherished for her/his feelings.
The driver makes the plan. The passenger expresses how she/he feels about it.*
*The power of the passenger is the “Veto” vote. When anything doesn’t feel good or is illegal, immoral, or unethical, the passenger can say “NO WAY.”
REMEMBER: If you have two drivers in a relationship, you’ll fight over the wheel. If you have two passengers, you’ll never get anywhere.
So you gotta decide.
Which Style of Relationship is Right For You?
