How to find someone truly compatible

RETHINK THE RELATIONSHIP MODEL

Dr Barker says you must figure out what a romantic relationship means for you. The current model assumes our partner should be everything to us. But, Dr Barker says, no one person could ever fulfill all those needs and expectations. For example, it’s OK if certain friendships fulfill needs that your romantic relationship doesn’t. Another answer? Either decide which elements are dealbreakers and which you’re willing to compromise on, or consider alternative relationship models like non-monogamy. “With one person you could be sexually compatible and love doing the same stuff, so they could be the person you go to museums with and have sex with. There could be another person you cohabit with, and with whom you have very similar life goals. If we could let go of all the myths about the kind of relationships we should be having, then we could have these amazing relationships where different needs are met by different people.”