Every couple has their idea of what’s fair.
From chores to family matters, many couples delegate and decide on who does what in the relationship.
Here’s what they both mean, plus whether one is more fair than the other.
What is a complementary relationship?
A complementary relationship might look like what was considered more traditional for couples historically.
According to Earnshaw, a complementary relationship is one where one person does X and the other does Y.
What is a symmetrical relationship?
“Both partners work; both partners vocally agree to help with child-rearing and home care, etc.”
Is one better than the other?
According to Earnshaw, neither is healthier than the other.
“There is nothing superior about either relationship,” she says.
When this happens, it can lead to resentment and confusion.
Acknowledging invisible labor.
It disproportionately falls on women andhas been linked1to negative health consequences.
The bottom line.
Neither symmetrical nor complementary relationships are inherently “better” than the other.
Whatdoesmatter is that you and your partner are in agreement about your roles and responsibilities in the relationship.
