Member-only story
Risk vs. Reward In Relationships
When we’re talking about investments, we’re all familiar with the idea of risk and reward. The greater the potential rewards, the greater the risk usually is. But what about relationships? Is this a viable idea to apply to our interpersonal interactions?
Ask yourself this: Is it possible that you may be involved in less than great relationships because there is less risk?
Risk vs. reward certainly applies to relationships!
For example, marriage has a greater risk than casual dating. After all, you could potentially lose half of your stuff, not to mention all of the years you’ve invested in the relationship, if you break up.
There’s also a much greater emotional risk: a failed marriage has a greater impact on your life than a relationship that fizzles out after 3 months.
And the concept isn’t limited to romantic relationships. Are you hesitant to become friends with someone who’s considerably wealthier than you are? Would you feel reluctant to hang out with someone much more attractive than you are? There can be perceived social risk in any type of relationship and these perceived risks can be much greater than actual risks.
Are you letting perceived risks keep you from more fulfilling relationships?
