Showing power in a relationship means being able to establish and maintain a sense of boundary and security.It starts with having healthy conversations, setting and respecting boundaries, understanding and trusting each other’s needs and working together as a team.
Asserting oneself when it comes to decision making and ensuring both parties are heard and respected is key.
When it comes to disagreements, allowing the other person to talk without talking over them, but also without brushing important thoughts and feelings aside can make a big difference. Communication is essential for both sides to have a strong understanding of each other and finding common ground.
It is also important to remember that power in a relationship should not be abused. Instead, it should be used to enhance the relationship and create a sense of safety and security within it. Power should be an equal exchange between both partners – it should not be controlled or manipulated in any way.
It is essential that both parties feel free to express themselves and that their voices be respected. By understanding the importance of power in a relationship, partners can nurture greater respect and understanding for each other.
What are examples of power in a relationship?
Power within relationships can take many forms. Physical power can be seen with the infliction of pain through physical abuse or through tangible control of resources, such as money and possessions. Individuals may also use emotional methods to control and manipulate their partners, including gaslighting, isolation, or verbal putdowns and threats.
Power dynamics can also manifest as inequality between individuals in terms of decision-making and voicing of opinion, or in terms of one partner having primary or sole decision power or control over resources.
Additionally, coercive control is a form of psychological and emotional manipulation that can be used to gain power over a partner. This includes using threats, intimidation and/or fear to gain dominance in a relationship.
In extreme cases, power in relationships can include the perpetration of sexual violence, stalking and/or trafficking.
What would power look like in a respectful relationship?
Power in a respectful relationship looks like equal and reciprocal respect, trust and consideration. This means that each partner in the relationship views and values the other person’s ideas, perspective and choices.
They each strive to understand and honor the wants, needs and feelings of the other person. They prioritize the need for mutual understanding and consideration. Healthy power dynamics in a relationship rely on both partners feeling safe, having strong levels of communication, and engaging in active listening.
This allows each person to share and express their feelings, experiences and perspectives without fear of judgement, breaching trust, or having to justify themselves. Having a shared understanding of individual boundaries, needs and wants is essential for a respectful and empowering relationship.