A difference or a compliment?

We all grow up hearing the same things over and over again: Opposites attract. Whether we hear it in science or in the dating world, differences will always make us unique; God intended it to be so. But some may go as far to say that if we are too different we are not compatible, that we need to be more alike in order to have a successful relationship. It's interesting to see how that is not always the case though. I've learned that on average, couples that go to divorce courts have at least 10 areas of incompatibility and successful marriages have on average at least 10 areas of incompatibility. You may look at these two areas and think "That can't be right" or "maybe she just has a typo in her blog". I didn't really get it at first when I heard it either; but when I really start to think about it, it all comes down to our perspective and how we see our relationships. We can either see our differences as differences and that we can't be successful with that certain person. Or we can look at our differences as Compliments. I don't believe in soul mates or that there is a certain "one" out there for everyone. I do believe that we can make any relationship work as we see each other as equals instead of as opponents. If we look at them as negative then we really miss out on great things. I've seen this is my own life. When I first started dating my fiance, he wasn't too sure how long he really wanted things to last because we had lots of dissimilar interests when it came to music, movies, and some other outdoor activities. I felt that in the way we talked and I was a little upset because I really liked this kid but knew that it would probably end. I remember he left to go down to Rexburg to get some things from his old apartment. He was supposed to be gone for the whole weekend but came back the very next day, and came right over to see me. He told me that he realized that we didn't need to have the same interests or be exactly alike, but rather it was a matter of having the same goals for the future and having the same mindset of we can make this relationship worth while. It brought us closer together and I've even learned some awesome new hobbies and things that I am now interested in because of him. I'm so grateful he didn't let me go because now I have an eternity to look forward with this man.
We can't let our differences be the determining factor of our relationships, but we should see them as opportunity to love more and grow more.

Often times we as human beings want to know the exact formula we need to have a successful family or marriage, including myself. My hope with this blog is that I can help others find those nuts and bolts that they need to find success and greater happiness within their homes.