Are there not situations and times when one size really does fit all?
The expression used in the heading above is one often used in, and applied to, different contexts today. It is part of current thinking, in which individuals want to feel treated as an individual with his or her personal likes and dislikes and needs. People want choice, and do not like to be regarded as merely part of the herd. This is a reasonable and often understandable way of thinking: there is no argument to be made against personal choice in most of those scenarios.
Most, maybe, but always?
Are there not situations and times when one size really does fit all?
And could not relationships be one of these?
Rose Matafeo, is writer and star of BBC Three’s sitcom Starstruck, is very aware of the awkwardness of modern dating and relationships. On the BBC webpage Rose makes the following points :
“In previous generations I think there was much more, ‘This is the road that you go’. And you were expected to conform to that.
“People who are in their late 20s or in the millennial generation have that choice paralysis [and] I think that kind of bleeds into dating and love.
“So [we’re] always like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to settle for this person because what if there’s someone better out there?’”
But, she says laughing, “There’s probably not!”
In looking back at previous generations, Rose sees a different pattern within forming, developing, relationships. Then goes on to draw the conclusion that this is done differently today. Whilst that is correct, is the change one for the better?
Rose continues :
The comedian, who says she doesn’t currently date much, says her generation could be making things more difficult for themselves when it comes to dating and relationships.
“Part of making a relationship work is compromise and I think the idea of compromise in relationships is something that we lack in my generation,” she says.
“[We’re] kind of looking for the perfect person.”
The stability of a relationship between people, within or outside marriage, may not be an exact science, but does need to be based upon certain criteria that are an inherent part of our makeup. As may be said in the Trade, our psychological and physical DNA. We ignore at our peril the way we are made, and the way in which we as people work best. We as individuals are a package – three components synchronised, working as one. Body, mind, spirit. Body, intellect, emotion/feelings. The tangible, the mental and spiritual intangibles. Dealing with body needs is the easy bit, but for a long-term relationship (with all the benefits) the other two need to be in the mix. Even for the full enjoyment and enhancement of the physical side, the other two need to be at work.
There is – I suggest – at our core control of human relationships, a ‘one size fits all’, which will – given the chance – work for everyone.
Perceptions & Pictures 