Ambiguously Olive

inverse strength

We've been dealing with a lot lately, and there has been this lingering, lurking fear in the background. But I have discovered an unexpected source of strength in this process - let's call it strength in the other. When I am confronted with a difficult situation as an individual, my typical reaction is to freak out, and possibly shut down. The level of anxiety bears an exponential relationship to the severity of the issue at hand. However, when faced with such an issue as a relationship-unit, we see an interesting phenomenon. While one partner exhibits the standard freakout-anxiety symptoms, the other partner essentially assumes the opposite role, and displays signs of calm and resilience, in order to be strong and supportive for the freaking-out partner. Which ultimately reduces the total anxiety load of the partner-unit.

I guess we've been dealing with a lot of fear in this way. The act of putting things into perspective, and seeing what my partner has had to go through, has forced me to be strong for her, which, in turn, has helped me confront my own fear. This property also appears to be symmetric, so that my freakouts induce the equivalent sense of strength in her. Good stuff to keep in mind when trying to practically evaluate the benefits of partnership and support.

posted by shreddd @ 5:15 PM