- Partnership Pulse
- Posts
- Intentional Blind Spots
Sponsored by
These stories are presented thanks to beehiiv, an all-in-one newsletter suite built by the early Morning Brew team.
Fully equipped with built-in growth and monetization tools, no code website and newsletter builder, and best-in-class analytics that actually move the needle.
The top newsletters in the world are built on beehiiv, and yours can be too. It's the most affordable option in the market, and you can try it for free — no credit card required.
Overview
Do you ever feel like your boss, co-worker, or partner is constantly watching and judging your every move? It can be uncomfortable, almost like there's a target on your back.
It makes you wish the person would turn a blind eye to your actions.
Instead of putting the heat on your partner,
let’s talk about how blindspots can improve your relationship.
Issue(s)
When you’re annoyed you might roll your eyes, start complaining in your mind, or even imagine a hypothetical argument about it.
As your mind fixates this annoyance, you risk magnifying the action.
And if the target is your partner,
you may potentially create a gap between the two of you.
Analysis:
(➖) Blindspots can be harmful by preventing self-awareness, hiding acknowledgment of the truth, or hindering progress.
Here are some categories and examples that may help you know where to look for your negative blindspots.
Financial: Not recognizing how the cost of your daily coffee impacts your partner’s ability to buy an essential item.
(Unless ☕️ is your essential item.)
Communication: Being unaware that when you ask your partner a question, you don’t wait for a response and instead launch into your own narrative.
Capacity: Not noticing that packing every weekend with activities and events leaves your partner (or you) without the energy to spend quality time together.
Operational: Failing to recognize your partner is always stuck doing a certain task, like taking out the trash.
Strategic: Failing to notice a shift in your partnership dynamics, which should precipitate a check-in with each other on a deeper level.
( ➕ ) Blindspots could be positive in that they don’t fixate on the negative and instead take on a different point of view.
Research suggests nurturing positive social interactions with your partner can profoundly increase relationship satisfaction.
This doesn’t mean accepting harmful actions done by your partner.
Instead, consider sweeping those minor annoyances under the rug.
Blindspots are why the beginning of relationships feels easy and go-lucky:
because you’re willing to gloss over your partner’s shortcomings during that time.
👉️ Intentional blindspots allow you to enjoy your partner for who they are instead of focusing on what they aren’t.
Solution:
Shift your focus on your partner's strengths, cherish their quirks,
and cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and appreciation.
Action:
So going back to the top: if something your partner does annoys you, instead of fixating on it, flip the narrative inside your head.
Identify any areas of repeat annoyance or frustration you may have in your partner.
Ask yourself, “What do I love more about my partner than this annoyance?”
Fixate on the above answer and not the annoyance.
Rinse and repeat until a feeling of appreciation
takes the forefront of any annoyance you may have once had.
Conclusion:
The ability to see the best in your partner is a skill.
Intentional blindspots can build rich satisfaction in your relationship
because instead of spending time analyzing your partner’s weaknesses,
you’re supporting their strengths and focusing on things that connect you.
Let’s thrive together,
Michelle @ Partnership Pulse
P.S. Sending a warm welcome to those who joined Partnership Pulse last week!
P.P.S. If you found today’s newsletter on target, then share it with a friend!