Most of the difficulties between couples occur in the field of domain. There are women submissive, Dependent and patients; but there are others who know how to take advantage of weaknesses to impose themselves or manipulate the other and turn living with the loved one into a real power struggle.
In this article, we will explore how power dynamics can affect relationships, signs to identify imbalances and how to work to build a closer connection healthy y equitable.
What are power dynamics in relationships?
power dynamics They refer to how the control and decision making within a relationship. Sometimes these dynamics are obvious, while at other times they can be subtle and difficult to detect. They can manifest themselves through the control, domain, submission or even manipulation.
External factors such as economic income or traditional gender roles, as well as beliefs learned in childhood, can influence these dynamics. One of the risks main is that a power imbalance can erode trust, increase conflict, and limit personal and shared growth in the relationship.
How do power dynamics affect life as a couple?
- Emotional imbalances: A relationship marked by power games can generate frustration, resentment and even depression,.
- Trust and communication: When one of the members of the couple feels that their opinion does not count, the communication open and the confidence. are compromised.
- General dissatisfaction: The constant effort for dominate or avoiding being dominated reduces emotional satisfaction and sexual in the couple
Signs of a power struggle in the relationship
Identifying a power struggle in a relationship isn't always easy. Here are some signs that you might be stuck in this type of dynamic:
- Always wanting to be right: One of the parties insists on defending its point of view without being willing to listen or consider the perspective of the other.
- Need for control: Making decisions on all the aspects of the relationship without including the partner's opinion.
- Use of manipulative tactics: How to make feel guilty, humiliate o intimidate to the other to get what you want.
- Lack of empathy: Not showing interest in understanding the emotions and the needs of others.
How to work to break the cycle of power struggles
Next, we propose strategies to build a closer relationship healthy y equitable:
- Open and honest communication: Express your feelings and needs assertively, but also actively listen to your partner.
- Promoting equality: Recognizes that both people have the right to make decisions and express opinions. Search consensus instead of imposing solutions.
- Empathy and mutual support: Rate the emotions and your partner's perspectives, even when they don't match yours.
- Personal commitment: Work on your own insecurities and emotions that may be contributing to the conflict.
Is your relationship in balance? Take the following test
This short test can help you identify whether your relationship is dominated by healthy dynamics or whether there are areas that could be improved. Answer each situation with the option that most closely matches your experience:
- “I declare you husband and wife until death do you part”… .when he hears that:
- a- His eyes are filled with tears and emotion submerged in the magical moment come true.
- b- You would like it to really happen but you know you have to work hard to achieve it.
- c- You think that this does not apply to real life and that it only happens in Hollywood movies.
- The first night they make love, things don't turn out the way I imagined:
- a- Cries throughout the night and has nightmares about the future sexuality with his partner.
- b- You think they started badly but hope that time will help solve the bed problems.
- c- He finds it very normal, both were nervous with too many expectations.
- Your husband decides that it is better if he does not work anymore:
- a- She finds it wonderful that he wants to protect her from the wear and tear that comes with working outside the home.
- b- You don't like the idea and hope that he will forget about it.
- c- Does not accept the imposition and gets angry, claiming that she was not born to be a housewife.
- He always has a mania for organizing and planning everything, while he is much more bohemian and prefers that things be done as they arise:
- a- You plan to spend the rest of your life planning each of the activities that you develop together.
- b- He spends lecturing him whenever he can about his inactivity and problems that arise when things are not planned.
- c- Every day he becomes more bohemian than him. Maybe that way it will change.
- He usually meets his friends twice a week:
- a- He gets sad every time they confirm the appointment, but he doesn't say anything so as not to create any problems.
- b- He thinks it's okay, since everyone should have their own friends.
- c- He confronts him after a month of the same situation and tells him that he did not get married to stay alone at night.
- He wants to watch football when his favorite series has just started:
- a- He does not object, but hopes that the match will be suspended due to bad weather.
- b- He objects and tells him to buy another television.
- c- He turns off the television and asks if he does not prefer to make love.
- Despite her insistence, he does not stop smoking:
- a- It ends up getting used to it.
- b- Resolve to smoke too.
- c- Only accept to kiss him once he has brushed his teeth.
- An ex-boyfriend of hers has come to visit. He is very jealous:
- a- Call your ex and ask him not to visit her anymore.
- b- He explains to his partner that they are both still friends and asks him to understand.
- c- He kills himself with the laughter of the insecurity that he shows.
- He realizes that he dated a special ex-girlfriend or examiner:
- a- He asks for explanations and says that he does not accept to play the role of a fool.
- b- He says he doesn't care, but deep down he feels a lot of anger.
- c- He asks where and how was the meeting.
- He does not like to accompany her to the supermarket:
- a- She goes alone, since the housework corresponds to the woman.
- b- He tries to convince him, applying all his charm.
- c- It tells you that there is no problem and offers you a list of restaurants to go to for the whole month.
Result:
- Most answers are A: She is undoubtedly the typical old-fashioned romantic: dreamy, passionate, capable of making many sacrifices to be in harmony with her loved one. But it is always advisable to be a little careful when you have this character; since it can come to suffer a lot if the other person does not reciprocate with the same intensity and affection that is expected to receive in return. Also note that the concessions you make in the name of love do not override or suppress your personality. For the rest, enjoy the passionate and dedicated love that you profess.
- Most answers are B: She is a balanced woman, although capable of living rapturous passions. His rationality often collides with the emotions he feels. She is the rational-sentimental woman par excellence; his fight between reason and heart will always be at stake. Try to harmonize those two aspects that inhabit your being. She is very intuitive, capable of being calm and alert when a relationship is withering, as well as when she has the possibility of boundless passion in front of her. The important thing is to remain herself: authentic, passionate, without prejudice.
- Most answers are C: Very rational and independent. Important qualities for a woman, as long as they are not taken to extremes. She is sure of herself and knows very well what she wants from her partner. But it is better to be calm when it comes to relationships, a little tact does not hurt anyone. Try to understand the limitations of your loved one and make sure that you are not precipitating conflict. But don't panic; her rationality is not necessarily a sign that she is a cold woman and incapable of indulging in moments of crazy love. On the contrary, when such women find a partner who respects their way of being, they can live a full relationship alongside each other.
This test is just one tool initial. If you detect significant problems in your relationship, it is important to seek Professional Help to work on them.
A balanced relationship is built through mutual effort, respect and communication. Understanding the power dynamics at work in your relationship is the first step to building a more solid academic approach, healthy and equitable with your partner.