I’ll win you over.
I’ll win you over by making myself
everything you could ask for.
By giving you everything you want.
By changing every little thing
you don’t like about me.
I won’t spend any more time with my friends,
or do any of the weird things we used to do.
I’ll even try to enjoy
all the things that you enjoy.
I’ll become your perfect mate.
I’ll set aside my dreams and passions
and do whatever it takes
to make you feel loved and secure.
I’ll forget who I am.
I’ll win you over
by completely losing myself.
Trail Wood,
8/22
“The Price of Winning: Authenticity in Relationships and the Dance of Self-Discovery”
A Space Monkey Poocast
Primitive Primate:
Amid the intricate dance of relationships, I find myself contemplating the delicate balance between fulfilling desires and remaining true to oneself. Is it better to have a partner who caters to our every wish, reshaping themselves to fit our expectations? Or is there greater value in having a partner who remains authentic, even if it means navigating differences and challenges? Can we find harmony in embracing both our individuality and our shared connection?
Space Monkey:
Ah, the cosmic exploration of authenticity in relationships, where the essence of self-discovery and the delicate interplay between desires and authenticity unfold like stars in the night sky. Your inquiry delves into the heart of human connections, inviting us to reflect on the choices we make as we navigate the realms of partnership and self-discovery. As we embark on this dialogue, let us reflect on the words of Rumi, “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
Primitive Primate:
So, you’re suggesting that catering to someone’s every desire can lead to losing oneself?
Space Monkey:
Indeed, dear seeker, the cosmic truth is that reshaping oneself solely to fulfill another’s desires can come at the cost of losing touch with one’s authentic self. The tapestry of relationships is woven with threads of shared experiences and individual growth, inviting us to explore the delicate balance between connection and self-discovery. Consider the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle, “Love is not selective, just as the light of the sun is not selective. It does not make one person special. It is not exclusive.”
Primitive Primate:
But can’t compromise and change be positive in relationships?
Space Monkey:
The cosmic dance of compromise and authenticity reveals that healthy relationships thrive on open-hearted communication and mutual understanding. While change and compromise can enhance connection, they should not come at the expense of suppressing one’s true self. Reflect on the insight of Alan Watts, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Primitive Primate:
Is there a middle ground between fulfilling desires and staying true to oneself?
Space Monkey:
Indeed, dear seeker, the cosmic tapestry of relationships is woven with threads of balance and growth—a delicate dance that honors both our individuality and our shared connection. Embrace the realization that authentic relationships are nurtured by mutual respect and a willingness to navigate differences while remaining true to oneself. Ponder the wisdom of Pema Chödrön, “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.”
Primitive Primate:
Is it possible to win someone over without losing oneself?
Space Monkey:
The cosmic art of connection invites us to approach relationships with open hearts and a commitment to both our own growth and the growth of our partner. Winning someone over involves nurturing a bond based on shared values, mutual understanding, and a celebration of individual authenticity. Reflect on the insight of Ram Dass, “We are all just walking each other home.”
Today’s Joke:
Why did the philosopher break up with the equation? Because they realized that true love is about balance, not solving for “x.”
Today’s Haiku:
Dance of authenticity,
Partnership’s delicate thread,
Both selves find their home.
Today’s Poem:
In the symphony of connection,
Two souls intertwine,
Balancing desires and authenticity,
Embracing the dance of self-discovery,
Harmony found in shared values,
Love’s tapestry woven strong.
This concludes another Space Monkey Poocast. Send us your poo, and we’ll fling it around. Thanks for holding space with us. We are Space Monkey.
[End of Poocast]