Greetings from the sunny shores of Canggu, where the waves are crashing & the 🚩🚩🚩 are flying — and I’m not talking about the surf conditions hahaha. It’s no secret that Canggu is infamous for its commitment-phobic culture, where everyone seems to be a walking red flag when it comes to relationships. And yet, here I am, after two years of being in a rollercoaster or on-and-off partnership with the same person, writing about red flag stories — joking.
As I sit here, feeling the sand between my toes and contemplating the next steps for my future partnership life, I can’t help but wonder: what does it truly mean to work towards shared goals with your partner? With a mix of personal observations and candid conversations or observing from my friends’ past experiences, I’m ready to unpack the complexities of partnership and how to find balance between individuality and togetherness. Ironically, I share my thoughts on navigating partnership on my blog in the red flag capital of the world — Canggu, Bali.
Partnership, to me, is the next level after a relationship. It’s a word that evokes feelings of love, commitment, unity and to prioritize both sides well-being, plus respective visions and missions. As I reflect on what it means to be in a partnership, I think of it as working towards shared goals with your partner. It’s about committing to each other and being a team, even when things get tough. Just like a game, it takes both sides pulling together to achieve success. However, being in a partnership doesn’t mean sacrificing your own values or goals. It’s important to have individuality and maintain your own sense of self while still working towards shared objectives. It’s a delicate balance, but when both partners are fully invested in the relationship and committed to making it work, it’s a beautiful thing.
Romance — in a long-term partnership often lies in the smallest gestures, like asking your partner if they want you to order coffee when you finish work or surprising them with a wish coupon game that can be redeemed — your partner is the one who will work to make it happen. Or even something as simple as sending each other memes throughout the day can be meaningful.
But how do you know if someone is truly the one for you? It’s not just about being in a bubble of bliss, but also being aware of each other’s outside world — their hobbies, friends, behavior, food preferences, and perspectives on life. It takes effort and sacrifice to adjust to each other’s lives, but it’s worth it when you both prioritize each other’s needs above your own.
After the honeymoon phase fades away, you’re faced with the challenges of real life. But in those moments, you both commit to growing stronger as a unit, even when it feels difficult. This is when you truly begin to understand the power of your partnership — you sacrifice for each other and know that you can face any obstacle together.
In a partnership that lasts a lifetime, it’s essential to have a partner who understands you on a deep level. This means finding someone who can see you at your most vulnerable and who shares your values and worldview. When you’re in sync with your partner, you can communicate with ease and create a harmonious relationship.
To find a partner who is on your level, it’s important to seek someone who understands you as a person, including your strengths and weaknesses. When you and your partner share a similar frequency, you’ll find that communication comes naturally and that you’re able to work through challenges together.
Ultimately, finding a partner on your level means finding someone who can support you through all of life’s ups and downs. When you have a strong connection based on shared values, mutual understanding, and effective communication, you’ll be well-equipped to weather any storms that come your way as a team.
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In any partnership, communication is key, but it’s especially important in a partnership for life. When you and your partner communicate well, you’re able to express your thoughts and feelings openly and work together to find solutions to any problems that arise. But what does it really mean to be a partner? To me, partnership is all about loyalty and dedication.
Now, I know what you might be thinking — “But isn’t loyalty just about not cheating?” Well, sure, that’s a part of it. But being loyal to your partner means so much more than that. It means committing to each other, working together as a team, and taking your partner’s desires and interests into account as you craft your life together.
Think of it like baking a cake. Sure, you could make a cake on your own, but it’s much more fun and rewarding to do it with a partner. You both bring your own ingredients and skills to the table, but you work together to create something delicious and satisfying. And just like in a partnership, communication and compromise are key. Maybe one of you likes chocolate cake, while the other prefers vanilla. By working together and considering each other’s preferences, you can create a cake that satisfies both of your sweet tooths.
Of course, every partnership is different, just like every cake recipe is different. But what makes a partnership healthy and fulfilling is when both partners are fully invested and committed. When you’re both over-investing in the relationship, that’s when the magic happens. You’ll be more willing to put in the effort, communicate openly, and make compromises when needed. So, whether you’re in a romantic relationship, a business partnership, or a friendship, remember that partnership is all about loyalty, commitment, and working together towards a common goal. Customize your own version of what partnership looks like based on your own values, dreams, and desires. And don’t forget — just like baking a cake, a partnership takes time, effort, and a little bit of sugar and spice to make it nice.
In conclusion, the key to a successful partnership is not just love, but also a deep commitment to each other’s well-being and a willingness to face challenges together.
