​Fun fact: Mr. Ellison and I have been together for 19 years. We've been married for 2 years.

You cannot be one person that long without going through some things. Although our history is very complex, we have managed to reach a point in which we see the value in compromise.

Compromise is essential in any relationship whether it be with a spouse or a co-worker. I have chosen to share some of my ideas of compromise with my readers in hopes that it helps someone in their need.

Today's Views on Compromise
When you think of the word compromise, what do you think of? How do you feel? Most individuals have mixed feelings and ideas when this is brought up. At the moment, most individual's ideas are on the negative spectrum. Some people feel that in order to compromise, they would be giving up the upper hand in an argument. Others feel that too much compromise maybe a sign of weakness. Many fear that compromise may lead to that individual being taken advantage of, or they may be viewed as a push-over. That is not the case.
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Benefits of Compromise
Compromise is essentially reaching a resolution in which either party is not completely happy, or upset about. No one wins, no one loses entirely. Because of today's social views on the verb, most individuals seldom practice compromise. Compromise, if done correctly, brings solutions not just to the immediate problem, but also future circumstances that may arise. This gives your spouse and yourself more time to enjoy one another instead of wasting time and energy on conflicts that could've been prevented.

How to Begin
There are several ways to takes steps to compromising. You can begin by using one or multiple steps.

1. Accept and respect individualities. One of the most important things to realize is that you and your spouse are not the same person. You both are genetically different and were raised with a particular set of values that may differ from each other's. Therefore, when we are able to realize this it is a giant leap forward to the successful implementation of compromise.
2. Be open to different perspectives. You cannot expect that your spouse be at your feet whenever you need them and you are not willing to do the same. That's very one-sided and overtly fantasied. Stop it. A relationship is full on circle and you are in it. So in order to have a spouse who will drop everything for you when you need them, you must be willing to do the same for them. 
3. Find the middle ground. Understand and accept that any compromise may mean that neither side is happy with the resolution.
4. If all else fails, walk away and regroup. There is nothing better then taking a step back if your emotions get too out of control. This is not a sign of ill temperament. This is a sign that you have matured enough to recognize when you cannot see beyond your own anger.

Although most people feel that they have to win every argument everytime, this is not the case. In order to have a healthy relationship, compromising is essential. Remember, progression is key. Start off small to get big results. Don't be hard on yourself.