Principle 4: Partner Influence You 

 

​

Principle 4 of "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by Dr. John Gottman is "Let Your Partner Influence You". This principle is based on the idea that successful relationships require a balance of power and influence between partners, and that both partners need to feel heard and valued in the relationship.

​

According to Dr. Gottman's research, couples who have a strong and healthy relationship are able to listen to and incorporate their partner's opinions and perspectives into their decision-making process, rather than relying solely on their own viewpoint. This means recognizing and respecting your partner's needs, interests, and feelings, and working together to find solutions that work for both of you.

​

In order to let your partner influence you, it's important to cultivate an open and accepting mindset, and to communicate openly and honestly with your partner. This involves actively listening to your partner, showing empathy and understanding, and making an effort to see things from their perspective.

​

By letting your partner influence you, you can create a stronger sense of partnership and teamwork in your relationship. This principle emphasizes the importance of valuing and respecting your partner's input and ideas, and working together to build a shared vision for your life together.

​

In contrast, resisting your partner's influence can lead to a power struggle and a breakdown in communication and trust. This can make it more difficult to resolve conflicts and can erode the foundation of the relationship over time.

Overall, this principle emphasizes the importance of building a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and compromise, which can help to create a strong and enduring partnership.

​

​