The Common Power Struggles in Love Relationships

Power struggles in love relationships often revolve around issues of control, leadership, decision-making and value systems or value imbalances. These struggles can be about competition for authority or trying to compensate for a loss in self-value. He who makes more money leads. 

Common manifestations include conflicts over leading and following, decision-making and attempts to exert dominance and control. Understanding that a healthy masculine man naturally controls everything in life and in his life, to attempt to take control from him will inadvertently bring conflict in the attempt to dominate him.

Call it old school but its fact, women aren’t built to lead, compete, control. Their feelings get in the way and often can muddle their logic. You can’t negotiate feelings therefore rendering them illogical and potentially dangerous when it comes to making difficult leadership decisions.  

Perceived power imbalances can lead to resentment, competition, conflict and dissatisfaction in relationships.

Role negotiation and the struggle for dominance can also fuel power struggles within relationships. What works best is to negotiate when each partner will be accountable for, in their different aspects of their relationship. Duties, chores, responsibilities, etc.

The battle for power may result in resistance to domination from one or both partners vying to be the primary leader and decision-makers. This is a recipe for chaos and conflict. If  the pilot and co-pilot grab to take control of the wheel, the plan crashes.

Same in love dynamics.

Ultimately what works beautifully is to follow or line up with each partner’s temperament. If you’re a born leader, find a partner who doesn’t want to lean but to support your leadership instead. Both of you will live in congruence of your own nature and temperament which allows both to be functioning in their “lane” naturally eliminating competition and encouraging cooperation, resolution and team spirit 

This is a simple and organic way to stay in flow and come together in a more complementary way. This is what all successful relationship models look like.

Both business and personal.

Power struggles in love relationships often revolve around issues of control, leadership, decision-making, and value systems or value imbalances. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for resolving conflicts and fostering a healthier relationship. Here’s a closer look at these issues and how they manifest in relationships:

  1. Control and Leadership: Power struggles frequently center on who takes the lead or controls various aspects of the relationship. For example, if one partner earns more money, they may feel entitled to make more decisions, leading to conflicts over leadership and authority. This imbalance can breed resentment and competition, especially if the other partner feels undermined or devalued.
  2. Self-Value and Authority: Sometimes, power struggles arise from a partner’s attempt to compensate for a perceived lack of self-value. This struggle often manifests in competition for authority or dominance. For instance, if one partner is more ambitious and successful professionally, they might unconsciously exert more control in personal matters, which can lead to friction and dissatisfaction in the relationship.
  3. Manifestations of Conflict: Conflicts over leading and following are common. When partners have different views on decision-making or authority, it can lead to attempts to exert dominance and control. For example, if one partner insists on making all the major decisions, the other partner might resist, feeling excluded or powerless. This dynamic often results in an unhealthy cycle of conflict, where each partner’s attempt to control or lead exacerbates the struggle.
  4. Role Negotiation: To address power imbalances, it’s essential to negotiate roles and responsibilities openly. Establishing clear agreements about who handles what aspects of the relationship—such as finances, household chores, or parenting—can help mitigate conflicts. For instance, a couple might agree that one partner will manage the budget while the other takes responsibility for planning vacations. This negotiation helps ensure that both partners feel valued and avoid power struggles over everyday decisions.
  5. Complementary Dynamics: Successful relationships often align with each partner’s natural temperament and strengths. For instance, if one partner is naturally inclined to lead and make decisions, finding a supportive partner who prefers to follow rather than compete can create harmony. This alignment allows both partners to function in their respective roles without constant power struggles. For example, in a business partnership, if one partner excels in strategy and the other in execution, their complementary skills can lead to a successful venture without the chaos of conflicting leadership.

Ultimately, understanding and respecting each partner’s temperament and strengths is key to resolving power struggles and fostering a harmonious relationship. Both in business and personal relationships, this approach can help create a balanced dynamic where both partners feel valued and empowered in their respective roles.

-Andre

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