Relationships should always be considered partnerships. That doesn’t mean you both always have the same responsibilities and expectations. You’re likely to have different strengths and weaknesses, but the relationship itself is equal.
Unfortunately, some relationships struggle with power differentials. One person might start to take over more than the other. That person might think they should make all of the decisions, and handle finances, or they might even assume they’re always right.
These imbalances can start off small. But, over time, they can grow into something that fosters codependency, or even emotional abuse. So, what can you do to address and rebalance the power differentials in your relationship?
Notice and Acknowledge
The first step in finding a better balance in your relationship is to acknowledge the power differentials have become a problem. Only when you both have acknowledged the problem can you accept it and start to move forward.
Bringing the imbalance to light will open the door for honest, effective communication. You should both be able to express how you feel without worrying about judgment or negative consequences within the relationship.
Show Empathy
No matter which side of the imbalance you’re on, try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes. How do these power differentials make them feel? How have they affected your relationship? There might be a reason you both started to shift in an imbalance direction. Understanding their perspective might make it easier to discover where the problems began.
Additionally, consider whether your individual backgrounds might be impacting the imbalances in your relationships. Certain cultures and religions have different ideas and traditions when it comes to romantic relationships. Talking those things through can help you see where your partner might be coming from.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries often get mischaracterized as something negative. But, setting boundaries in your relationship is incredibly healthy. It will eliminate misconceptions and confusion and will make it very clear what you and your partner need, want, and expect.
Establishing clear boundaries will help to eliminate power differentials in your relationship. You can let your partner know, respectfully, what you expect from the relationship. You can talk about different roles and tasks and come up with boundaries that meet both of your needs.
If a boundary is broken, there won’t be any surprises when it comes to disappointment or even consequences. It’s something you can talk about and work through if it happens. It’s okay to revisit boundaries throughout your relationship, as needs and wants can change.
Be Willing to Compromise
Striking a healthy balance in your relationship will require give and take from you and your partner. It can be hard to remember that you’re on the same team when power differentials are prominent.
But, remembering that you want the same things even if you have different approaches will make a big difference. Your partner doesn’t want to hurt you or make you feel like you’re less important, and you should treat them with the same respect. Be willing to compromise when it comes to disagreements and roles within the relationship.
Sometimes, these strategies can feel easier said than done. That’s especially true if you’ve been dealing with power imbalances for a while. Don’t feel like you have to tackle these issues on your own.
If you’re still struggling to rebalance power differentials in your relationship, feel free to Contact Us. Together, we’ll get to the bottom of why these imbalances began. Then, we’ll work on healthy, effective strategies to create a better balance between you and your partner. These differentials don’t mean your relationship is doomed. Don’t be afraid to seek out the help you both deserve.