And Then Some News - Thursday Essay Preview

Thursday's Essay Preview

My wife and I took a seminar some time ago that used Wilson Learning materials, and one of the conclusions after learning about various social styles and determining our own, was that one of the key predictors of relationship success was versatility or a relationship partner’s ability to change and be variable.  The more rigid or inflexible a partner was, the less likely a relationship will survive.  In my mind, having a marriage that has lasted more than forty years, this appeared to be common sense.  I, as it turns out, am less versatile than my wife; however, she scored as extremely versatile, and it is revealed daily at a variety of different points in our relationship.

Thursday's Essay Excerpt

Once you and your partner come as close as possible on important components of compatibility, then it depends on your versatility — your flexibility and willingness to adjust.  Improving versatility reduces tension in relationships and enables people to focus efficiently on daily tasks and the work to be done.  Partners who remain versatile, flexible, and nimble will benefit their relationship. This versatility helps them resolve problems — even though clear-cut answers may be impossible to find.  Effective partners know how to handle uncertainty by drawing on their experience and the experience of their partner. They are able to notice and analyze important issues in complex matters, track down answers, and resolve issues in mutually compatible and satisfying ways.