Powerful Partnerships

Kristin Schwartz, PsyD

In relationships, we harness the power of union.

When we enter into a partnership, we usually do so with the purpose of creating something greater than we can create alone. When we harness the power of union, whether it be romantic, creative or professional, we have an opportunity for personal growth. We do this not because of our own incompleteness, but because each of us brings our own unique talents and capabilities into our partnerships. Within that context, we increase the talents and energy available for creating something meaningful together.

When we forge unions during times of need or loss, we may rush in without the clearest intentions. The repercussions of those unions might meet our immediate needs, but they can fall short of meeting our long-term needs. While there is something to be learned from every relationship, looking to another person to fix or complete us can turn what was meant to be a partnership into a codependent bond.

Every person in our lives is like a mirror, reflecting back parts of ourselves that we either love or dislike. If we have the courage to recognize the reflections of ourselves in the relationships we forge, we can grow through every partnership we build. If we can remain clear about what we want and need in a partnership, while remembering that we are our own source of happiness, we can create partnerships that enhance the best of who we are.

A powerful act of kindness for oneself is to remain clear about what we need in any partnership. A powerful act of courage is to be open and honest when communicating those needs to our partners and trusting that the outcomes of this honest communication will be the healthiest and most loving outcome for all.

Relationships that offer acceptance of who we are and an opportunity for growth can be a fertile ground for healthy individual growth and lasting partnerships. Relationships that are collaborative and personally transformative inspire us to invest and nurture the union and ourselves. Most of what we do in this life can be enhanced through partnership because we are stronger when our strengths are reflected and multiplied. When we take the time and energy to remain clear as to our needs and communicate those needs to our potential partners, we set the stage for experiencing the immense joy of a united partnership.