3 Tips To Avoid The “Burger King Mindset” In Your Relationship

We currently live in a society where so many individuals are walking around with a Burger King mindset to “have it your way, right away.” This mindset has even filtered into the way people approach their relationships. Although it may seem desirable to have things your way, right away, this mentality is toxic to any relationship. It carries this me-first, selfish approach that ultimately sabotages the growth and maintenance of a healthy relationship.

In relationships, it can be so challenging to find the balance between meeting the needs of your partner while also getting your own needs met. At times, people find themselves in a relationship where both partners begin to fight so hard to have their needs heard, that they become dismissive of what their partner wants and needs. When this occurs, both individuals have acquired a me-first, Burger King mindset. The result is that no one wins.

Here are three ways to avoid the impact of the Burger King Mindset in your relationship:

1.    Be Flexible/Willing to Compromise - If you have the belief that it is your way or the highway, you have already set your partner and relationship up to lose. Choosing to be flexible offers the opportunity for both parties to win. Given the fact that life is continuously changing, couples need to learn to adapt together along with the changes as they occur. It is important to recognize that your way is not always right. Having the willingness to compromise is a vital step in establishing a strong foundation to build your relationship.

2.    Stop the Need for Control – Trying to be in control of all things at all times is a daunting, draining, impossible task. Shift your mindset from needing to control everything and everyone to just controlling yourself. Having a need to control all or most aspects of your relationship sends a message to your partner that you do not trust them. It is essential to establish a sense of willingness to be vulnerable and trust for your partner in decision making to build a healthy relationship.

3.    Stop Trying to Change Your Partner – This is relationship tip 101, yet it seems to be one of the most challenging difficulties for couples to overcome. Often people enter into relationships with a belief that they can change the things they do not like about their partner. Let’s quickly dismiss that myth. The only person you can change is the one person you are in control over, and that is YOU!!! So, if you are bringing the “have it your way, right away” approach to who and how you want your partner to be, you are setting yourself up for failure. In relationships, unlike at Burger King, your partner comes one way. That one way is who they are and were before they met you. So, if they are going to change in any capacity, it has to be self-motivated. The hope is, as your relationship advances, both of you change together, for the better.

Implementing these three tips in your relationship will help you realize there is no royalty in having it your way, right away. It is time to change from a fast food Burger King mindset to having a royal empire state of mind. Decide today what and how you want your relationship to be, either fast food or an empire.

If you would like assistance in creating your empire, don’t hesitate to contact me today at 941-479-7866 or dr.dixon@patriciasdixon.com