2 + 2 = 3 (or More!) In Relationship Mathematics

In Relationship Mathematics silhouette image of couple

When two people decide to start a relationship (ideally speaking, a relationship for life), they should come into the relationship as complete individuals, or mathematically speaking an individual = 1. They should not be satisfied with being half-complete (or mathematically 0.5 out of 1) or otherwise incomplete. 

This may not always be realistic, as human beings are forever incomplete by design and always have something to work on or improve upon, but we should strive to be as complete as possible. Our incompleteness should not be a reason for unhappiness, as it is a natural state of ourselves and the world. Therefore, I will still refer to every individual as a complete individual (=1) because our incompleteness is already accounted for.

In this way, when two people come together, there are four different scenarios:

a) 1 + 1 = 2, also known as independence. In this case, the individuals are self-reliant and function autonomously. They do not bring anything to each other’s lives and do not take or give to the relationship in any way.

b) 1 + 1 = 1.5, also known as dependence. In this case, one person excessively relies on the other, often sacrificing their own boundaries and needs for the sake of the other person. This is to the detriment of both individuals.

c) 1 + 1 = 1, also known as codependency. This is the worst case scenario, where both individuals take more from each other’s lives than what they give. It is recommended for both people to go their separate ways, as being together creates more problems than it’s worth.

d) 1 + 1 = 3 (or more!), also known as interconnectedness. This is the ideal scenario, where both people create more than what they could independently do.

relationship couple laughing

Personally, I know myself to be an extrovert, meaning that I thrive in social situations, enjoy being around people, and gain energy from interacting with others. This doesn’t mean that I can’t be an introvert at times, wanting to distance myself from everyone and everything to recharge my batteries. However, being an extrovert is my psychological predisposition and I am an extrovert most of the time.

In this way, my perfect psychological counterpart is an introvert, as this person helps me find a healthy balance. While theoretically, I could get along with another extrovert, two extroverts can encourage each other to engage in progressively more extreme behaviors, leading to dangerous decisions. On the other hand, two introverts can isolate themselves from the world, which is also unhealthy. An extrovert and an introvert can push each other towards a healthier balance. Of course, people are more complex than just introverts or extroverts, but when it comes to finding someone who can complement us, this psychological division makes sense on many different levels.

This extroversion / introversion plays into the idea of being forever incomplete, but at the same time, we should never expect others to give more than we give in return (mathematically >1), as this is unrealistic and unfair. If we are incomplete, why should others fix us or complete us if we can’t do it for ourselves? This will only lead to dependence or codependency.

What we should do is strive to become as self-sufficient as possible and provide for ourselves without relying on anyone else (=1). Once we have achieved this, we can enter into relationships where we can achieve even greater results together than we could individually. This ideal relationship is one of interconnectedness, where both individuals are already giving their best efforts and still achieve even greater personal fulfillment.

Picture of Roman Russo: Author of Optimal Happiness

Roman Russo: Author of Optimal Happiness

Roman Russo wasn't always happy and struggled with his own negative emotions, anxieties, and depression, until one day he pledged to resolve this part of life, whatever it took. The journey took 6 years, but it was worth it. Today, Roman considers himself to be one of the happiest people alive, part of the 1% of the happiest elite, and he now teaches others a working and universal happiness formula to reach a similar goal. He offers his best advice on Optimal Happiness social media, newsletter, blog, and books, and teaches a complete and unconditional happiness formula in his online courses.

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“The problem is that of optimization,” states Roman Russo, author of Optimal Happiness: The Fastest & Surest Way To Reach Your Happiest Potential. There is plenty of advice on how to be happier or less sad, but no one is speaking about how to become the happiest we can be. And this is the difference that makes all the difference. By not looking at our maximum potential for happiness, we fall short of achieving it. After all, we all have hundreds of ideas on how to be happier or less sad, but most people still feel like they are not living their best lives. As such, Optimal Happiness explores the question of how to be the happiest we can be, regardless of who we are, where we are from, and what our life circumstances are. It proposes a complete and unconditional formula for happiness and explains how you too can become happy today and forever, inviting you to join the 1% happiness elite and become one of the happiest people alive.

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