When Your Partner Doesn’t Support Your Goals

Recently, Elon Musk and SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon Heavy rocket and were able to return several of the rockets back to Earth. For the Space lover, this was life changing! Seeing his Tesla Roadster in space with the Earth as backdrop was breathtaking.

However, not everyone is excited about the Space Lifestyle. Some folks do not care for space. Granted, those kinds of people baffle me to no end. We look up to the stars and see opportunity and are amazed by the vastness, but some do not share that way of thinking. If your spouse or significant other is not into the space lifestyle, how do you deal with this?

Below are some guidelines for keeping the peace, following your dreams, and possibly even converting your loved one to your way of thinking.

How Do They Feel About Space?

We know they aren’t crazy about space like you are, but how DO they feel about it? Some people look up at the sky, and instead of being in awe, they are struck with how small and insignificant we really are. This is overwhelming, and can be the root of why they do not appreciate space, or the things associated with space. This is probably the same type of people who would be overwhelmed by the ocean, instead of captivated by its beauty.

How Do They Feel About Science And Discovery?

The foundation of science is curiosity. All science is inquiry. The scientist is trained to observe, ask questions, and devise methods to test out those questions. We think critically and are open to being wrong. Some people do not see this as important. Some people see things only as black and white. Discovery and curiosity do not bring them joy. If your significant other is like this, space is not for them. However, the discoveries and inventions made for space may be something they can enjoy. For example, athletic shoes, scratch resistant lenses, and even blue tooth were created for space travel.

What Fascinates Them?

When you look at the spires of a cathedral or walk on historic lands, you can understand or respect the awe of the architect and the archeologist. You may not love it enough to build your life around it, but you can understand the fascination. Take the time to see what fascinates your significant other, and learn to appreciate what they love. Ask them to do the same for you. Respect is the first step to opening yourself up to true appreciation.

Appreciate What They Love

Wait, wasn?t this supposed to be what to do if they didn?t like the space lifestyle? Yes, and if you expect your significant other to learn to respect and appreciate what you love, then you must do the same. Appreciating what they love will allow you to understand them. There is nothing that says that you must love the same things. It does help. However, if they are willing to appreciate the space lifestyle or, at the very least, your love of it, that is a great start.

Relationships are not 50/50. If you believe this, then you are going to have half a life. Perhaps the task is not to have them like the space lifestyle, but to take the giant leap of investing themselves 100% into you, and you in them. That is a place to boldly go where you have not gone before.