Compatibility

All of us have a psychological blueprint, containing details about our life experiences, our fears, anxieties and our coping mechanisms and defences.

Each of us has an unconscious ability to examine another person's blueprint. The purpose of this process is to find someone who can complement our experiences. The people we're most attracted to are those who have a blueprint that complements our own. We're looking for similarities of experience but, more significantly, we're also looking for differences from whom we can learn.

Although no two relationships are ever the same, studies have shown that there are some common types of relationships between couples. Here are some examples:

  • Parent and child: In this type of couple one partner copes with those issues by behaving in a childlike way whilst their partner takes on the role of parent.
  • Idol and worshipper: When one partner insists on putting the other on a pedestal, this often indicates an issue with competition.
  • Cat and dog: These partners argue incessantly over anything. They both avoid intimacy by continually arguing.

You may see elements of your relationship in all of these types. As our relationships develop, it's not uncommon to develop a certain pattern of behaviour. However, problems may start in relationships when one or both partners feel they are no longer able to communicate their feelings and change their patterns of behaviour. Talking through difficulties with your partner and even getting professional help may benefit your relationship.

Links

The links below contain more detailed information on relationships.