Rajat Khadka
Managing Director, Rustic Himalayan Adventure
I feel there are a few factors for me to maintain healthy power dynamics in a relationship.
• Fostering open communication: Whenever there’s a stress or tension between us, then we realize the main foundation of the issue which is lack of communication. So, we try to resolve it sitting down together – face to face – and talk about it.
• Practice mutual respect and equality: We basically practice giving each other’s opinions respect. We find and point out each other’s strength and encourage it.
• Encouraging personal growth: We support each other’s individual goals, interests and personal development. Create a personal space allowing each partner to make decisions and pursue activities independently.
• Distribution of responsibilities: Household chores and especially financial responsibilities and decisions making should be shouldered by both.
• Building trust and being honest and reliable consistently.
Gaurav Bista
Actor
Balancing power dynamics in a relationship is crucial for maintaining a healthy and equal partnership and a smooth lifestyle. For me, there are major aspects that contribute to power dynamics in a relationship.
• First, communication. Both should always be there to communicate with other; open and honest communication is essential.
• Second, equality. Treating each other equally in every decision-making, asking for input, caring for the other’s opinion will create a respectable environment and a compromisable and collaborative environment.
• Respect boundaries. Each person should have the right to their own space, opinions and choices. Support and understanding are the backbone of any relationship. Give time to each other’s success or failure. We should be willing to see things from the other person’s point of view and validate their emotions. Encourage and support each other’s individual growth, hobbies, and interests. Allow space for personal development and avoid excessive control or dependence.
• Money matters! Where there is money involved, power is involved. Balancing power in finances means both partners have an equal say in how money is handled.
• Sexual Intimacy: Intimacy should be there with each other’s consent which creates healthy and respectful relationship.
• Lastly, I believe balancing power dynamics is an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment from both partners. By prioritising open communication, respect, equality, and mutual support, duties and responsibilities you can create a healthier and more balanced relationship. Also, we need to know the other person likes to be loved rather than how you want to be loved.
Sanjog Koirala
Founder & Director, Ideapreneur Nepal and Money Mitra
Balancing power dynamics in a relationship is tough as well as crucial for maintaining a healthy and harmonious connection between partners. Achieving a balanced power dynamic requires open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to equality. And it is different to each individual. It’s like customised clothes that just fits your body perfectly but if you try and take it from others, it’s all over the place. This makes it challenging because you will have to figure it out by yourselves, with many trials and errors, and that means it’s not easy and always comfortable.
Few things to be kept in mind while finding your balance that has worked for me personally have been first and foremost communication; this I think is the first step for everyone. The most important aspect in communication is the ability to listen and understand each other’s perspective, concerns and desires. We mistake communication for a one-way process that is talking, expressing your views but listening and understanding your partner is also a major part of it as well. Effective communication also has to make both partners feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or retribution. It gets a little trickier if you are in a joint family where expressing your own opinion might sometimes be interpreted as a sign on disrespect to elders but that’s up to an individual to try and figure out the correct tone, timing, body language so as not to to come out aggressive.
Another aspect that we try and work on is the shared decision-making process. We try and involve each other in important choices such as financial decisions, household responsibilities, or major life events and collectively come up with conclusions. It is not always comfortable but it is necessary to ask for help when you need it, and to support each other through the good and bad decisions they take collectively. Blame game is the worst game anyone can play in a relationship.
Then comes individual boundaries and autonomy where respecting each other’s boundaries and individual autonomy is essential. We try and make sure each of us should have the freedom to pursue their own interests, goals and friendships. Although we have lots of common friends, we take time to recognise and honour each other’s personal space and privacy. And most importantly everyone should avoid controlling behaviours and allow for independent decision-making within reasonable limits. Constant intruding on privacy, sharing passwords and things like that creates more chaos than peace for it triggers more insecurity than trust.
Last but not least, a balanced power dynamic requires flexibility and the willingness to compromise. Both partners should be open to finding common ground and working together to resolve conflicts, seeking mutually beneficial solutions that consider each other’s needs and preferences.
Raul Moktan
Executive Director, Gymkhana Muay Thai
Maintaining an equal and healthy partnership as well as a comfortable way of life depends on balancing power dynamics in a relationship. In my opinion, communication, and trust are two key factors that affect power dynamics in a relationship.
Trust is the foundation on which a balanced relationship is built. It is essential for both partners to trust each other’s intentions, actions and decisions. Trust creates a sense of security, allowing individuals to feel comfortable being vulnerable and expressing their needs and desires. Open and honest communication fosters understanding, empathy, and compromise. It enables partners to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns while also actively listening to one another. Effective communication involves active engagement, active listening, and the willingness to find common ground. It allows partners to negotiate and make decisions together, ensuring that power is distributed equitably.
Balancing power dynamics in a relationship requires continuous effort from both partners. It involves recognising and challenging any existing power imbalances, acknowledging each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and promoting mutual respect. In conclusion, trust and communication are integral to balancing power dynamics in a relationship. By nurturing trust and fostering open communication, couples can create a harmonious partnership based on equality and mutual understanding.
