I am an extrovert. He is an introvert. I could be with a group of people 24/7. He needs alone time, even prefers it really. I don’t do things alone. He does everything alone.
Sometimes I feel like I am literally dating my polar opposite. If we were magnets, well, we wouldn't stick together. Quite frankly, we are summer and winter, ketchup and mustard; we complement each other but are not even close to the same
But, when you find your person, even if it is only for a short period of time, I guess you just know. Here are five things I have learned from my polar opposite partner.
1. Not all drama should be treated equally
There is some drama (with you or other people’s own drama) that is a waste of time, useless to dwell on, but there is also drama that is valid. Pick and choose and make sure to realize what is petty and what can be dwelled on for a bit.
2. Call out and address your flaws and weaknesses
The sooner you see your flaws clearly the sooner you will be able to work on them. My boyfriend is great at this and does address them, and I feel like he makes me want to do the same. Let things go; when they are dropped, they should be dropped
Don’t just say everything is fine and then not let something go; if you acknowledge that everything is fine and dandy, don’t go back on your word and hold a grudge. If you want to hold a grudge, then hold a grudge — just don’t falsely claim that everything is OK and that you two are fine when you aren’t, it’s a waste of your time and sanity and theirs as well.
4. Always call out an issue
With number three being said, if you get annoyed that your partner puts their dirty dishes in the sink every day without just simply putting them straight in the dishwasher, call that out. If you always are super irritated at family gatherings and your partner never offers to help with dishes or anything, call them out. They will never change if they do not know, and if they do not try to change simple things for you in order to make you happy or a little less angry at them for little things, then they probably aren’t the one.
5. Never stop saying, “Thank you”
Nothing should be expected. Just because your partner starts taking out the trash or making coffee in the morning doesn’t mean that they should do this forever just because they made it a habit. BUT if they do make something a habit, like making the coffee in the morning, then remember to show some appreciation. Say “thank you” for cleaning the kitchen, making the bed, or whatever mundane, day-to-day activity.
There is a lot one can learn from spending a lot of time or dating someone who is so vastly different from you and you might even pick up some of their great qualities. Opposites attract, as they say.
