Living High, Loving Hard

The 50/50 Myth

I have to start by debunking one of the worst myths in the world and that is the myth that strong lasting relationships are always 50/50. I call BS. That is not the case. Strong lasting relationships are rarely 50/50 because life does not work that way. Strong lasting relationships happen when your partner or friend or whoever you’re in a relationship with can pony up that 80% when you are down to 20. And when your partner also knows that when things fall apart for her and she only has 10% to give, you can show up with your 90 even it’s for a limited amount of time.

Brene Brown on Comparative Suffering, the 50/50 Myth, and Settling the Ball

When I heard this, it speaks volumes inside my soul. You see, I have this habit of reciprocating the same energy that people give me. If you wanted to have a conversation with me for hours, I will stay with you for hours. But if you suddenly stop talking to me, I would still try to strike a conversation once or twice and when you don’t respond, I would let it go. I would think maybe you are not in the mood to talk or maybe you’re busy or maybe you need some other stuff to attend to.

By nature, I am a sensitive person. However, I understand that holding an interaction with someone is not the same for everyone. Some get tired and they would want to take a break from it and we shouldn’t take it personal. I always say that to myself: don’t take it personally. But I am not perfect, and so at times, I still do. My sensitive and very extroverted heart long for attention. It’s a constant refocusing of my mind and emotions.

I have resolved to loan up my extra percentages when someone needs it. I pray that I choose to always plug in to the real Source of energy and love so that I will have extras. On days when I can’t seem to give — I will pause, breathe, and soak more into the presence of the Lord. I will believe that there will be people who will share with me their saved pockets of sunshine. I will trust that the Lord will lend me these beautiful people when I needed a shoulder to lean onto.