80/20 Rule : How it applies to relationships

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the 80/20 rule, the rule states that even in the “best” relationship you will only get 80% of what you actually want. In other words you’ll never have that “perfect” person.

 

I had a recent conversation with someone who came to me to ask me what he should do about a dilemma he was going through. The gentleman I was speaking to is engaged to a woman but was having second thoughts because his mind had been consumed with thoughts of another woman. With that said, the more I heard the more I understood. What was actually happening, without a doubt, applies to the 80/20 rule.

 

You see, when you are in a relationship and you have the 80% of the 100% that you want you begin to think about settling down or what have you. However, when there are certain things that you want in a relationship but your significant does not have those traits you begin to see the 20% you are missing in the relationship in every other person (of your interest) that you encounter.

 

That other person is so perfect aren’t they? WRONG, because questioning that 80% can prove to be catastrophic for you. Consider this, IF you left your significant other but a month passes and you see that the person you left them for is actually only the 20%, what do you do then? It'll be too late to go back to your significant other so what next?

 

By no means is this a reason for you to stay in a relationship just because. If you are unhappy in your relationship make a decisions by weighing the pros and cons. There should be no time wasted on someone who you see no future with. Whatever you do, NEVER  leave someone wonderful for someone who looks shiny on the outside- because everything shiny isn't made of gold.

Have a wonderful week!