Embrace Your Differences
by Gladys Diaz
My husband and I often joke that it’s a miracle we ended up together and that we could not have chosen another more opposite person to ourselves with whom to fall in love!
He prefers to stay home and I love to go out. He prefers hanging out with just the 4 of us, and I am a social butterfly. He is a TV and movie buff and, while I enjoy both, I prefer reading a great book and I am usually doing something else while we’re watching TV. Our views on religion/spirituality and politics couldn’t be more different, and, at times, we see things differently when it comes to disciplining our kids… AND, yet, we have an amazing, loving relationship where each of us has the freedom to think for, act like, and BE ourselves!
It’s a common misconception that, in order to be “the perfect match,” two people should share the same exact interests, values, and beliefs. However, have you ever noticed how, in order for two puzzle pieces to fit together, they must have certain parts that are exactly opposite to one another? Hmmm…
While, of course, it is nice to have things in common with the man you love, it’s still possible to create a loving, mutually fulfilling relationship, even if you both don’t see eye-to-eye on everything. Having common interests and ideals can make for good conversation and fun times. It may even make things seem “easy.” However, having differences in preferences and opinions can make for very interesting conversation, and can offer you both the opportunity to learn more about yourself and one another, as well as lead to having new and exciting experiences in your life.
An essential part of truly loving someone is accepting him for everything he is and everything he is not. Rather than thinking that what he likes is “too different” or “not your style,” see these areas as opportunities to discover more about one another. For example, you may not like sports, but going to a game won’t kill you, and you will get to experience something with him that he really enjoys. You may think his political views are too radical, but there was something about his sense of conviction that was attractive and had you fall in love with him. Different is not “bad” or “wrong.” It’s just… well… different! And, as they say, variety is the spice of life! So, go ahead, spice up your love life!
Today’s Thought:
Find the person who will love you because of your differences and not in spite of them and you have found a lover for life.
~ Leo Buscaglia
In Sweet Surrender,
Gladys
Heart’s Desire International, LLC
Heart puzzle photo credit: Alfonsina Blyde via photopin.com cc