Them: Yes ___ No ___
Being supportive of each other is great in theory, but more challenging in practice. Do you remember Jamie and Paul from the sitcom “Mad About You?” There was the epitome of a supportive relationship, yet they still allowed for their bad days. Jamie would want to go shopping and Paul would want to go to a classic foreign film. They compromised. They supported each other no matter how much discomfort it might impose on them. There was one episode where Paul went to California to film a project and Jamie was left in New York during the winter and a typical eastern blizzard.
After several days of phone calls, they realized how much they missed each other. As a surprise, they both got on the next available flight, as a surprise, so they could spend the weekend together, apart, on opposites sides of the country.
So maybe that doesn’t seem fair to compare life with a written script, but I really believe it is possible. In my previous relationship I was delighted to realize that he not only supported me by showing up for my business, but he was the one who was my support system when I felt like chucking it all in. It didn’t wear him out to listen to my ideas, infact he never complained. He always had creative suggestions and more than anything, I appreciated his encouragement.
What does it cost to be that supportive? To let go of the ego! What good is the ego anyway? You’re the only one who seems to benefit from it. I feel truly blessed to have participated in a relationship that finally helped me discover the multitude of merits in a relationship with unconditional love.