Creating Mutually Satisfying Relationships

Mutually satisfying relationships are relationships where we feel fulfilled. When we engage in mutually fulfilling relationships, we feel connected to our partners. These types of relationships aren't just reserved for our romantic partners. This concept also applies to our children, parents, friends, or anyone who matters to us.

These are the relationships where we feel we can most be ourselves. We can be goofy or silly or even flawed and still be loved and accepted for who we are and all of our uniqueness. In these relationships, we also have an understanding of the other. We know what matters to them, and we value them for being who they are.

Mutually satisfying relationships are fun and exciting. We look forward to spending time with the people we enjoy. In satisfying relationships, we feel energized from the interactions and not depleted.

Here are a few tips to support you and creating mutually satisfying and enjoyable relationships.

1.Be authentic

We've got to show up for people to engage in a mutually satisfying relationship with us. To understand us, we have to permit them to know us, and we do this by authentically being ourselves. Far too often, we feel that we have to behave or look a certain way for others to accept us. This phenomenon has more to do with our lack of acceptance of ourselves than anything else. When we learn to appreciate who we are, it becomes easier for us to allow ourselves to say precisely how we feel, what we think, and be ourselves. It is also essential to permit others to know you, the real you. Being authentic is such a necessary aspect of creating satisfying relationships with others.

2.Create intimacy and connection

We create intimacy and connection by allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. I know that this is something that we don't readily do in our society. Most of us are taught that being vulnerable can set us up to be taken advantage of, and in some cases, this is true. For this reason, most people choose not to be vulnerable. In mutually satisfying relationships, it is safe to be vulnerable. Brene' Brown often teaches about vulnerability as being true power. When we allow ourselves to talk about our pain, fears, and joy openly, we bless others with the ability to know us. We also create an opening for them to feel safe being vulnerable, allowing us to know them.

Vulnerability strengthens mutually satisfying relationships. When we know that the person we are relating to wants the best for us and means us well, it is easier to be vulnerable. I have often heard of intimacy being defined as "into me see." When we allow ourselves to open our hearts and share who we are, in essence, "allow ourselves to be seen," it creates the space for others to feel connected to us.

3.Show interest and the things that matter to your partner

One of the best ways to create a mutually satisfying relationship is to show interest in the things that matter to your loved one. Now, I'm not saying that we have to engage in every hobby or interest of our loved ones. I'm suggesting that we are curious about the things that matter to them and the things that bring them joy. We may not want to do those things, and that's OK, but it is essential that we understand what makes our partners tick and that we don't put them down or dismiss what matters most to them. Mutually satisfying relationships grow from knowing that we matter to the people we love.

Mutually satisfying relationships take time to cultivate. It takes time to build trust and to feel safe in relationships. As we allow ourselves to show up fully, create connection and show our loved ones that they matter, we lay the foundation for building our mutually satisfying relationships.

Love, ❤️

Danielle