Does your partner have to be willing to sacrifice to be in a relationship with you?

Question

Whatever you think sacrifice means within a relationship, is that something your partner has to be willing to do?

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

She has to be willing to pull her weight in the relationship, just like I'm expected to pull mine. She has to put our relationship above other relationships the majority of the time, just as I am. She has to be willing to forego activities that would potentially bring danger into the relationship (such as "girls trips" or having "guy friends" that she hangs out with alone) just like I am.

If she wants my protection - and every girl I've dated has expected my protection - then she has to give up her authority, because I cannot protect her without the authority to make safety-related decisions. (Watch the Kevin Costner/Whitney Houston movie The Bodyguard if you don't understand that.)

In a relationship, I have a long list of responsibilities, and those responsibilities mean making sacrifices. Last Friday, I had to leave work and drive 70 miles each way to change my girlfriend's tire, because she had a flat on a freeway and it wasn't safe or practical to get off (she was several miles from an exit). As the man, I'm expected to do this rain or shine, day or night, hot or cold, well-rested or exhausted. And that's just one of a hundred examples. Those are sacrifices. I pay the vast majority of the "relationship bills" (we don't live together, and she maintains her own place to live), and I have to work extra hours to cover those things - that's sacrifice. I do repairs and upgrades on her place and her car - mostly at my own expense material-wise and certainly labor-wise - to save her money by not having to hire out. That's sacrifice.

So, yeah, if I occasionally ask her to do something that isn't maybe her favorite thing to do, or if there's an inside chore that needs to be done, she needs to be willing to do that. And my girlfriend definitely is - we have no problems in that department, but she has very traditional values and appreciates that I do as well. But many women would see the things she does (or doesn't do) as a sacrifice, and, maybe it is, but that's a part of being in any relationship.

If you have kids, you'd better believe there's even more sacrifice involved. The kid's needs come first, and as the man, it would be my job to protect and provide for them, whatever it took. If it meant getting a second job and working 70 hours a week, then that's what it means. Not saying it would be a picnic for the woman either - it wouldn't - but, again, that's part of being in a relationship.

You also have to remember that relationships also come with a lot of positives too - it's not all about the sacrifices - but there's no denying that sacrifices are part of the package.

ZackBan · Accepted Answer

I think me and my partner have to both want to be in the relationship for it to work.

It shouldn't be a "sacrifice" where someone gives up something they love or accept something they don't love just to keep the relationship alive.

But it does have to include a 2 way street.
My girlfriend needs to accept and support the parts of me that she doesn't necessarily relate to. And I would do the same for her.

The only way a relationship flourish is when 2 partners feel comfortable doing something for a very long time

IslaTheWitch · Accepted Answer

sacrifice is a killer of everything... the mother sacrificing her life to create a perfect environment for her kids... who never would appreciate what she did because she never taught them how to enjoy life...  workers sacrificing their rest time for the company they work for... and the company (many different people) never would appreciate it if we are in a relationship, we should be open, communicate, and trust... also trust that the other person will tell us what we need to know... they won't expect us to guess... in a healthy relationship there is no place for sacrifice, because partners talk, negotiate and compromise sacrifice creates bitter people... who did something for others and were left with nothing, no appreciation or recognition and can't get over it...

DishLady · Accepted Answer

Sacrifice is a two-way street. I’d never ask or expect a guy to sacrifice a core goal or value for me, if that’s what you mean, but small gestures of sacrifice show vulnerability and a willingness to share a life together.

imtiaz45 · Answer

Yes, mutual sacrifice is often necessary in a healthy relationship. Both partners need to be willing to compromise and make sacrifices to support each other and the relationship. This could involve adjusting personal habits, making time for each other, or working through conflicts together. Mutual sacrifice helps build trust, understanding, and a stronger bond. However, it's important that these sacrifices are balanced and not one-sided, ensuring that both partners' needs and well-being are respected and valued. Healthy relationships thrive on reciprocity, empathy, and shared efforts to maintain a fulfilling and supportive partnership.

meepmeeperton · Answer

I dunno, I suppose sacrificing conceptual things like your own pride can help the relationship work. But I don't value sacrifice that much. Mostly because my girlfriend's mom is batshit crazy and obsessed with all the supposed sacrifices she's made for everyone, like sacrificing her youth and beauty to give birth and be a mother, sacrificing her sex life with other men for her husband, sacrificing her money and time for her kids and family, the list goes on.

Zenpanda · Answer

If something feels as a sacrifice to you or your partner, it's not worth it.
Being willing and wanting to do something to make your partner happy even if you normally wouldn't do it by yourself is just a show of love for that person.
You spend time with them because you want to, it shouldn't feel like you're losing something.

HawkPerception · Answer

I don't see why they'd have to. I wouldn't want my partner sacrifice for me. However, I do think that the willingness to sacrifice for your partner (depending on the scenario) does definitely show your love for them.

Bricealan · Answer

She has to agree to not walk up and down my back wearing her golf shoes! That has to stop.! LOLOL

Hanrej · Answer

Absolutely. Ofcourse I'd do everything I could for that to never happen but life sometimes gets tough, you can't expect a relationship to work through hard times without being open to sacrifice. I would too and have.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

If she sees anything that she might not do or think any longer as a ''sacrifice'' - then she's better off without me.

serious · Answer

No, sacrifice is a something that is done willingly.

exitseven · Answer

Yes. That is something my old girlfriend would never do. That is what was missing in the relationship.

Emmytexrex · Answer

Sacrifice is a test of your love together if they can't sacrifice then at least you know they don't love you that much

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe SOME of her individuality. I don't think I ask for a lot. But I need to know I'm more than just an accessory to her, otherwise what's the point of the relationship?

Jamie05rhs · Answer

The only thing she has to sacrifice is not having a big dick. Lol

In_Trance · Answer

When you're in the right relationship you won't have to

TommyMountainFigure · Answer

No more or less than I am prepared to do.

Does your partner have to be willing to sacrifice to be in a relationship with you?

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