What is a life partner?
When you hear the term “life partner” you most likely think of a person’s boyfriend, girlfriend, fiance, or spouse. But, why limit ourselves to this definition?
I like to think of a life partner as any person we have formed a long-term connection with. These are the big relationships in our lives, the natural, symbiotic arrangements that we have fallen into over time.
These relationships can be purposefully cultivated or develop completely by happenstance. They can also take many forms.
The following are the four types of life partners that I have identified within my own life.
1. The Romantic Life Partner aka The Significant Other
This is the type of life partner that you are likely the most familiar with. If you’re monogamous, this is the one individual you have made a romantic commitment to. If you’re polyamorous, this could be multiple people.
Either way, this type of partner is defined by deep levels of emotional, mental, and physical intimacy, though the exact meaning can vary from arrangement to arrangement.
2. The Intellectual Life Partner aka The Mentor
These special individuals are a guiding presence in our lives. By sharing their experiences, offering advice, and critiquing our work, they help us reach our potential.
Though they are our teachers, this type of relationship is all about give and take. We learn and grow and the process of teaching keeps the mentor sharp and inspired. As a result, both individuals produce better work.
You can have a mentor for any subject, but the intellectual life partner becomes a fixture in our world through the lessons they impart. Even if you eventually part ways, you will carry the shared wisdom with you, ensuring that both parties are forever changed.
3. The Creative Life Partner aka The Collaborator
The collaborator is, in essence, the yin to your yang. Your skill sets and creative styles compliment one another to an uncanny degree. Where one is weak, the other is strong, allowing you to produce exceptional work together.
This might be the co-founder of your business, the co-author of your book, or the co-host of your podcast. The key component is that you are creative equals who inspire one another and hold each other accountable, resulting in remarkable achievements.
4. The Inspirational Life Partner aka The Confidante
You most likely know this person as your best friend. This is the individual who you can share the ups and downs of your life with and vice versa. You celebrate your wins and learn from your losses together.
The fit of your relationship is familiar, practiced, likely cultivated over many years of shared joy, tears, and adventures. If you’re lucky, your other life partners likely started in this category.
I call this person the inspirational life partner because through strong connection, discussion, and insight, you inspire one another to be better people. When one of you has doubts or falls down, the other is there to help them to their feet again.
There are lots of different ways that humans can connect with one another. In the past, we have thought of life partners as being purely romantic in nature, but perhaps it is time to start redefining the way we view relationships.
How do you connect with other people? Is there an individual in your life who does not fit one of the above descriptions? I invite you to share this special connection with us in the comments.
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