Monday, May 26, 2008

A Dozen Ways to Get to Know Your Real Partner

I got this through yahoo Personals and I thought it would be great if I share it

The Signs Are All Around You
B Updated: May 20, 2008
Here are the dozen indicators:
In my line of work -- family law -- I often hear the same old refrain when my client explains to me why they split from their significant other. It goes like this, "I guess I didn't really know my partner after all." You might ask, "How could that be?" How could you have an intimate relationship with someone only to wake up one day to find out that the person you fell in love with is not the person they turned out to be?
I believe there are at least a dozen ways to know who someone really is -- indicators -- and if we do an inventory early on, we might stand a better chance of getting to know the real person before we fully commit. The following "observance" suggestions are important ones to make in the early stages of any relationship because each offers insight into habits, patterns, and behaviors. As you ponder these observations, know that there is no right or wrong; it's a matter of acceptance. Sometimes we have to accept quirks and differences as part of the give-and-take process. As you do your assessment, however, the goal is to decide whether or not you can live with or without your real partner.
1. Protocol: First or Second? Whether it's walking through a door, ordering dinner, or taking a bite out of the freshly baked cookies you have made together, if your partner always have to go first this could indicate self- centeredness. Are you willing to always be the giver?
2. Politics: Liberal or Conservative? How your partner views what is right or wrong in a political sense tells you a lot about his deep inner beliefs about society, and ultimately, the way he will approach your relationship issues. Will his views cause a rift in your relationship?
3. Television: Sitcoms or News? If his tendency is to watch "escape" TV programs versus "newsy/event" oriented ones, you can learn a lot about one's intellect. Do you want a mate who can keep up with your every day interest in what is going on in the world or a person you can run away with to avoid the world we live in?
4. Money: Flash or Stash? If your partner throws money around while dating, he might well be reckless with your joint finances when you move in together. Do you want to hook up with a tightwad or splurger?
5. Stress: Freak or Peak? Under Pressure, does he go to pieces or rise to the top of his game? If the answer is the former, every minor incident in your relationship might become a crisis. Do you like a lot of drama?
6. Conversation: About You or Him? As you first get to know each other does he always talk about himself first or you? If he is usually the topic priority do not expect that to change. Can you subordinate yourself to the world revolving around him?
7. Pets: Warm or Aloof? Believe it or not, the way in which he treats animals will not be dissimilar to how he treats your children. How do you want him to treat your loved ones?
8. Communication: Listens or Ignores? If you have something you want to talk about and he tunes you out as a general rule, can you cope?
9. Strangers: Kind or Rude? How he treats those they do not know (waiters, grocery clerks) often reflects on how he will treat people in general, including you, shortly after the glow wears off.
10. Priorities: Family or Work? You can tell almost immediately where a person's preferences lie in terms of what comes first (a family member's illness or a business trip) by the choices he makes when faced with an "either/or" situation. Do you care if he leaves on the next plane to present the such-and-such report if you or the kids have pneumonia?
11. Appearance: Fat or Fit? How he regards his appearance screams loudly about his sense of self-esteem. Those who eat sensibly, workout reasonably, and who take pride in their appearance are the ones who have a great sense of self. Does he really have self-confidence or might it be a front?
12. Faith: Strong or Weak? If you want a peak at his soul, learn more about his spirituality, or lack of it. What a person believes deep down is often what shapes the way in which they conduct their day-to-day affairs. What is your mate's "words to live by?"

13 comments:

Flourishing Florida said...

hmmm. can u believe dat i just finished reading this article!!!!! lol. anyways, aside 4rm d first, i won't pay much attention 2 d rest. too cliched.

The Activist said...

@FFF, at least you can relate with one point. Thank God. That makes this article relevant

LG said...

thanks for the post, i just finished cramming all the tips, hope i dont 4get dem, lol!!!

hope u njoyed ur w'kend
how is garfield*winks*

Nigerian Drama Queen said...

Very interesting stuff. I cant say I agree with all the stuff-but interesting nonetheless...

O'Dee said...

The points r kinda yrue.
Its essential 2 look 4 pointers in ones partner.

Afrobabe said...

I feel all relationship do hows should be avoided cos most of the time its from a one sided perspective.....black or white, man or woman...what works for A doesn't always work for B....

LG said...

luving ur new template, but does scofield have to be on it,lol!!!

how body?

doug said...

I think I've read this somewhere. Funny though, I wrote an essay on factors leading to a successful marriage over the weekend. An assignment from a leadership school I go to on weekends. Who won the erepa during the weekend?lol.

The Activist said...

@ LG, those cats are three o namely Molly, Garfield and Socfield and I intend putting up all thier pictures cos they are part of my work and life (lol)
@Nigeriandramaqueen, I feel you
@Oluwadee, yes it is true
@Afrobabe, I believe do-hows are important though all of them might not be applicable in all situations

@Doug, hope you put the write-up up on your blog. I will go check. I won the erepa oooooo

La Reine said...

Wisdom!

That's a good article.

Jay said...

Hmm, quite interesting...didn't quite see the little signs that can make the big things move...nice read

How are you doing...?

ejura said...

Hi gurl!

Would be back to read post!

Ciao!

Anonymous said...

don't agree with all of them, but its a good piece... follow your heart and you'll meet Mr or miss right.

My Passion, my focus, the change that I want to see in the world - is my propellent factor.

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