in any kind of relationship do you meet half way or in the middle ?

Syankee- I do try to meet my own spouse half way, because that is the nature of marriage. I've found that because of friendship being there first before we actually got married our communication lines were open. Even if we have a disagreement we take time off to cool down and then come back to discuss it civilly and do what is best. It may be my idea was best, and it may be his idea was best. That part doesn't really matter because it's not a competition, it's about doing what is best for the marriage and us as a couple. In terms of work relations, that is a difficult one. There are times where I've been right and I've had to stand my ground to get done what was needed. That sometimes is the nature of special education. However, I've found the old saying "you catch more flies with honey, than vinegar" works best so I try to find ways to make it look like the other person's idea so I get what I need done, and they feel happy about being right. In terms of friends, well I believe in meeting halfway or compromising if it is a mundane issue. However, if it is a moral or ethical issue I don't meet halfway because I hold to my morals and ethics. I try not to make it about "my way", but I've had friends who have done this. They aren't very pleasant to be around to be honest. They are the types that as kids said "We have to play this game", the bossy bum types. In my adult life I've learned I can say no and walk away. Namaste-Anora

I have always THOUGHT that meeting in the middle was the way things should be. I thought if I gave so should the other person. Not that the sharing was kept track of, no checks or balances. But when I can, I do. When they can, they do. I learned hard, that not everyone works that way. That not everyone plays fair our meets in the middle. Not everyone cares enough to try and let some of their views, their hang ups go and meet anywhere near the middle. Some people say they hold others close but one misunderstanding and they won't listen or try to see another side. They want the other person to change to suit them. They say they know empathy and yet, never employ it. No sense in beating your head against a brick wall.

Hi Sya! I won't mind coverying the entire distance in a relationship, if I feel that I have to cultivate the realtionship in the best possible manner.I will set aside my ego and will go all the way to meet the other person, I'll not press her/him to come half way mark.

I think it is important to meet in the middle too. People can't have everything their way all the time and expect the other to always be happy with it.

I think on the little things you dont always have to meet in the middle (like, what to have for dinner) but on the bigger issues, you do need to compermise. Both parties have to meet in the middle, otherwise one person is not going to be happy while the other is. Sometimes its hard to do, but that is what makes relationships stonger and makes all parties involed better people. It is a learning experience.

Hi lotter see ,according to me all these things depends upon the person to person.Relationships are not a scientific terms ,that we should a specific criteria for them,its an imotional bonding between two persons ,no matter what the relation is,but we cant say anything specifically,if we are having a half way relation with our kids that doesn't mean we have it in the same way with spouse also .Each relation differs according to the people involved in it,so lets not make it so complex and just leave it as it is. happy my lotting.

I don't agree that ALL relationships should have an aspect of meeting in the middle. For example, my children do not always get a say in how things are going to work. In that case, there is no meeting in the middle. They may have input, but in the end my husband and I decide on the final outcome of a situation. Of course, my kids are 6 and 8 years old so that will change as they grow and mature. On the other hand, even though I am 34 years old and have my own family I do try to bend a little more to my parents. For example, we go to their house more than they come to mine, simply because that is where they are most comfortable. If we are planning an evening together, there is some give and take, but in the end if there is a disagreement about plans I tend to give in. I don't get walked over, but I do let them take the lead. I hope that makes sense. There are also times in my relationship with my husband that one of us is stronger than the other. We don't neccessarily compromise. One makes the final decision about an issue based on who feels more strongly about the outcome. The next time the other person may get more say. In a way this is meeting in the middle, but it doesn't have to be on every issue every time to have a 50/50 split.

I think you have to meet the important people in your life in the middle or you would always be arguing.If one of my kids stole a car or did something wrong then there would be no middle ground,but other things mostly yes,I am a bit old fashioned mother and I do tend to like my own way but i will bend if respect is shown.

Anyone who knows me know that I fight till the bitter end. Then, they'll threaten to evict or disown me and then I see how I could meet them halfway.