The Asymmetrical Relationship: Possible solutions when one partner feels unfairly treated

Every relationship has some measure of asymmetry. For example, one partner is

• kinder: more likely to look for the good in you and to not exert excessive retribution in response to your mistakes.
• thriftier: careful to spend cost-effectively and to splurge only rarely.
• more responsible: prioritizing what’s important.
• lower-maintenance: judicious in deciding when to let an annoyance slide and when it’s worth complaining and/or asking for support or help.
• addiction-resistant: not prone to excess.
• more ethical: in most circumstances, doing the right thing, even to his or her personal detriment.

Approaches

What might you do when an asymmetry bothers you but you don’t want to leave the relationship? My Psychology Today article today offers some options.