#22. Power in relationships

This Conversation Will Help You…

1. Define power in regards to a relationship

2. Analyze existing relationships to look at power

3. Name how they want to share power in a relationship

Think About This First

•  Power within relationships can exist in many different ways, and unhealthy imbalances of power can come from age, gender, race, class, or other factors. It is important to consider all of these while having the conversation.

Having the Conversation

Start here:

How do you see power existing in relationships?

What kinds of power come with age? (driving, voting, jobs, apartment, etc)

Are there power differences that are more important than others?

Who do you know who has a pretty balanced relationship in terms of power?

Do you know people who have an unbalanced relationship?

What makes it unbalanced?

Continue:

What do you think happens to a relationship if only one person has access to a car, a job, etc?

Does it change things?

How should you share power in a relationship?

What would be your ideal balance?

Keep Talking:  

What are some ways to make sure power stays balanced in a relationship?

Are there things that it feels important for you to be in control of?

Are there things that you would want your partner to have control of instead of you?