As obvious as this statement seems to me I'm aware that for some people it is absolutely not clear. Depending on your upbringing, your values and beliefs you might have a completely different view on this topic. Let me show you the advantages of a balanced relationship.
Influences of culture, society and upbringing
It is understandable and to be expected that we all have different ideas that we bring into relationship and they are shaped by what we have learnt, modeled from our parents and adapted or rejected from our upbringing. In today's day and age in western civilization equality, or the move towards it at least, has found its way into many areas of life: career, politics, daily life, etc. And still, in some areas we still have some way to go.
When we bring our own values and beliefs into a relationship with another human being we need to negotiate the 'common ground'. The fact is that many relationships start out in a state of everything is accepted because we're in love. Sooner or later your rose-colored glasses will wear off and reality will set in. So if you haven't already had the conversation, this is the time.
Relationship agreements
My suggestion is that in every relationship there needs to be clarity on this 'common ground', as I call it. Most other relationships, for example in business, have a contract as its base. Before you start working for someone you usually sign a contract, detailed with what is expected from you and what you will get paid, and other details like paid holiday leave, sick days etc.
Discuss with your partner what it is that you need and find out what it is that they need. Remember that you will never get all your needs met but it's still important to bring them to the table. Then find a place where you are both comfortable to compromise and, if you're really serious about this, write it down.
Balance
A relationship is a give and take. One partner might be bringing more money in, the other might be doing more of the housework or child-rearing. If some of those things are totally one-sided and are assumed, like 'women should stay at home and look after the children' then resentment might build up over time, if this structure does not resonate with the values of the woman in the example.
This is why we need to re-negotiate and discuss sharing duties from time to time. Situations change, you might no longer want to always do the washing or you might no longer want to be the breadwinner.
Respect and gratitude
Even if some of the chores in a relationship are more one-sided, respect and gratitude for your partners input go a long way. If you acknowledge them for their contribution, however small it might seem, resentment will not come up as soon as if you expect them to do it.
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