Compromise is a Beautiful Thing

 Best of Both Worlds

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Our date on this occasion required compromise. Not usually a big problem in healthy relationships so it was little hardship to convince James to come with me to the Market. As we strolled around looking at this stall and that, he even showed interest in the items I was looking at.

A door stopper for one, which the ever practical man in him couldn't help but state, "I can fit one for you."

Well thank you dear, I thought, but I don't want a spoke sticking out of the skirting on the wall for the door to magnetize to, I would prefer a more aesthetically appealing one like this weighted anchor thanks. Instead, I concurred to have a look at other options.

In the end, James was happy for us to go back to the stall to buy the anchor door stop. Well wouldn't you know it? Nope, it wasn't sold, it was still sitting there waiting for me, but the vendor's Point of Sale device couldn't connect to the wifi signal and we didn't have any cash on us.

I had been given a beautiful opportunity by the universe to learn a little lesson here.

Karma was teaching me to compromise.

James had smiled outwardly while wandering aimlessly through the myriad market stalls, despite it not being his thing. Fortunately for us the market location was right on the beachfront so we ambled along the path, empty-handed, except for a robust cup of coffee, admiring the yachts moored on the marina and the dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Compromise leads to give and take; not always getting our own way; appreciating what others enjoy and/or value; putting consideration for someone else first. Whilst I knew that James doesn't ordinarily enjoy markets, I did know that the ocean is his happy place. With the beach right in front of the market I wagered that he could tolerate the market for a walk along the waters' edge.

I got a door stopper, James got the sea; it was the best of both worlds in my view.

Life doesn't always go our way and as trivial as this situation was, it showed me that alternatives to an expected outcome can be a good thing.

James and I found a solution that pleased both of us; both relishing in each others' happiness. Sometimes, making someone else happy also boosts your own happiness.

* Tell me, dear reader, have you ever had to compromise and then found yourself better off than you expected?