2008 Woodie Awards
He Said: Can you compromise yourself for another?
Shaun Mitchell
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: He Said/She Said
Compromise is a word that scares people. I know it scares the hell out of me, at least. When it comes to most men, compromise is the one thing that keeps them out of relationships because we start compromising the minute we enter a relationship. We give up our freedom, our ability to voluntarily look like a walking garbage bag, and our right to look at other people. And you thought it ended there.
I personally enjoy my freedom, my ability to do only what I want to do. It might mean that I am alone, but I really don't mind. I'd rather be alone and free than in a relationship with a ball and chain. When it comes down to the choice, it is a matter of personal style. Are you the kind of person who wants a relationship and don't mind giving up the fruits of single life?
The way I look at it is once you give up your freedom the next thing you have to give up is your hopes and dreams. But if you're really in love, isn't it dignified to sacrifice your dreams for the one you love? Sure it is. I just haven't met the person I want to give all that up for yet. After your hopes and dreams, you have to sacrifice your emotions at times. When you get mad at your boyfriend for drinking beer and watching sports, you hide it because the nagging starts to push him away. But all this comes down to one question: is it worth it?
If you are in love and you genuinely want the person you are with to be happy, then sacrifice is a small price to pay. I really hope that one day I find that, but in the meantime, I'll be chilling by myself. If you are selfish and show no love for a person or you don't share a hope for happiness in another individual, then compromise is like asking for the moon. You have to examine yourself. What does compromise mean to you? I'm not entirely sure myself.
I personally enjoy my freedom, my ability to do only what I want to do. It might mean that I am alone, but I really don't mind. I'd rather be alone and free than in a relationship with a ball and chain. When it comes down to the choice, it is a matter of personal style. Are you the kind of person who wants a relationship and don't mind giving up the fruits of single life?
The way I look at it is once you give up your freedom the next thing you have to give up is your hopes and dreams. But if you're really in love, isn't it dignified to sacrifice your dreams for the one you love? Sure it is. I just haven't met the person I want to give all that up for yet. After your hopes and dreams, you have to sacrifice your emotions at times. When you get mad at your boyfriend for drinking beer and watching sports, you hide it because the nagging starts to push him away. But all this comes down to one question: is it worth it?
If you are in love and you genuinely want the person you are with to be happy, then sacrifice is a small price to pay. I really hope that one day I find that, but in the meantime, I'll be chilling by myself. If you are selfish and show no love for a person or you don't share a hope for happiness in another individual, then compromise is like asking for the moon. You have to examine yourself. What does compromise mean to you? I'm not entirely sure myself.
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