July 17, 2024

Physician moms are used to striving for perfection in their professional lives. But what happens when we bring that same expectation into our relationships? In this week's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I dive deep into a common relationship pitfall: the inability to "take the win."

Picture this: You ask your husband to join you and your son for a playdate. He agrees, but not with the enthusiasm you were hoping for. What's your next move?

a) Accept his agreement and move forward b) Question his reluctance and potentially start an argument

If you chose b, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with accepting a 'yes' that doesn't meet our expectations of enthusiasm.

Why We Struggle to Take the Win:

1. Perfectionism: As physicians, we're trained to aim for the best outcomes. This mindset can spill over into our personal lives.

2. Emotional Investment: We want our partners to be as excited about family activities as we are.

3. Misinterpretation: We might read too much into tone or facial expressions, assuming the worst.

However, not taking the win comes at a cost. It can lead to unnecessary arguments, increased relationship stress, missed opportunities for quality family time, and growing resentment on both sides.

How to Start Taking the Win:

1. Recognize the 'yes': Appreciate that your partner is agreeing, even if it's not with the enthusiasm you hoped for.

2. Consider their perspective: They might have had other plans or preferences, but they're choosing to prioritize family time.

3. Focus on the outcome: A family outing is happening - that's the win!

4. Save your energy: Is this really the hill you want to die on?

Relationships are about compromise and understanding. By learning to take the win, you're not only reducing conflict but also modeling healthy relationship behaviors for your children.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Listen to the full episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨

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