One of the things people consider when making decisions on a potential partner is compatibility. But what exactly is compatibility? A general meaning would be that compatibility is a state where two or more things can exist or work without problems or conflict.
Compatibility in humans happen when they have similar interests, personalities, and goals. From the definition above, compatibility is a state where people exist without problems or conflicts. But the fact that you have similar interests, personality, and goals with someone doesn’t mean there won’t be any problems or conflicts. The same way, you could have nothing in common with someone and the relationship would still work.
This is to say that; compatibility shouldn’t be a major determinant for choosing a partner, because compatibility doesn’t necessarily mean that a relationship would work. Most importantly, compatibility doesn’t mean love.
Love, in relationship terms, is a deeper connection that you feel for another person. It compels you to be want to near, support, and protect them, among other things.
Here are some reasons that compatibility is not the same as love.
You Don’t Show Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a risk. It’s a risk people take only when they’re in love. Vulnerability is revealing your deepest part of yourself to someone. And this means that you could get hurt.
When we are just compatible with someone without being in love. The flow tends to be mechanical. There is no deeper meaning to want to do things.
Your Relationship Is “Fine”
If you would describe your relationship in words such as “nice” and “fine” then there is a problem. Are you even attracted to your partner, or is convenient? Are you with them because they share similar interests as you? You might just be compatible but not in love.
You Need to Constantly Access Your Relationship
Are you always asking yourself where your relationship is or where it’s going? Do you feel like something is missing? Are you always questioning what you’re doing in the relationship? Then you might just be compatible. Love doesn’t keep you questioning why you’re with the person you’re with.
You Don’t Disagree
A relationship where there is no disagreement is one where people are not fully themselves. Disagreements are not bad. Disagreements could be respectable. It could help people understand each other more. Thus, growing in the relationship.
Proximity Is Keeping Both of You Together
Will your relationship end easily, if they move to another city? Are you people together because you’re close to each other? Unlike compatibility, love doesn’t know the distance.
