Exploring Relationship Chemistry and Compatibility by Psychic MaryJane

There are many ways to feel a connection in a relationship, what can we learn about the balance of each of these connections?

Let’s use the analogy of picking out a new car. Pretend you have come upon a car in the lot you are interested in.  Now really look at it, taking in the shape, the color, the style.  You will have an immediate, physical reaction. Your body is reacting and releasing dopamine and norepinephrine. You feel butterflies and a new outlook on life!  You feel alive and euphoric. You can’t stop thinking about this car, everything about it excites you. Here we have a form of SEXUAL CHEMISTRY. 

What is Sexual Chemistry?

Chemistry is the desire towards another. Normally it’s towards another person, but in this example, I used a car so you can better understand how it works in all sorts of situations. This type of chemistry is important and fundamental, it is one of the most exhilarating feelings one can experience.  Sexual chemistry can lead to a wonderful physical connection with a bonus of a myriad of health benefits including calorie burning and immune system boosters to name a few.

Let’s put that sexual chemistry down for a moment and look at the next important element in a relationship… COMPATIBILITY. 

The Importance of Relationship Compatibility

Platonic relationships, relationship compatibility, love compatibility, marriage compatibility, there’s so many forms of compatibility… HELP!  Let’s return to that new car example and see if we can look at things in a simpler way.  

Here we are back at this fabulous new human we have met (I mean car!) This car is everything I have been looking for!  I fit well in the seats. I feel like a million bucks while I am in it. All I want to do is talk about and engage with this new car.  But what is the compatibility factor of this new car?  If sexual chemistry is the desire to be with someone, then compatibility is the longing to stay there.

If we have sexual chemistry but no compatibility, the relationship will fizzle out. The connection cannot be sustained without the element of compatibility.

Long-Term Relationship Compatibility

Enter the next phase.  A cross country trip in the car. Can this new car and I handle the long road trip, when life throws it’s bumps in the road including the stress of bad weather, getting lost, needing to refuel, being tired or hungry?  Will my desire over the physical connection fulfill me in the long haul?

Probably not, in fact if a relationship is based purely on sexual compatibility, it can become toxic.  Of course, our logical selves say, “I would never do that!”  Sometimes though, things can get difficult to decipher if you are putting so much focus on the chemistry and replacing those feelings you obtain from the euphoric reaction to our human needs. Those human needs are compatibility.  Extreme unbalance leads to cloudy judgment and the sexual chemistry fades.  You will become accustomed to seeing that new car and your body will not release the same levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. The basics of a healthy relationship will not be there and suddenly that relationship cannot move forward.

So, let’s take a moment to revisit the initial reaction when you were introduced to the new car. Is it a good thing? YES. The important thing is to make sure the compatibility elements are there as well, in order for this relationship to grow and prosper.

We must come to terms with the notion of one person fulfilling all of our needs.  Our society today has set us up for this misconception.  It is not healthy nor possible for one individual to fulfill all of our needs and we are also not required to fulfill all of another’s needs.  Not only is this an unattainable task, but it is mentally and emotionally exhausting.

What About a Platonic Relationship?

Compatibility between people requires work.  Both people must want the same basics or life goals. This doesn’t need to be grand, it can be the simple things.  Saying good morning, asking about the other person’s day, listening to one another, doing small acts to help make the other’s day easier, etc.  A Platonic Relationship is key in a romantic relationship.  Studies show that successful couples are indeed “best friends” but also have other satisfying platonic relationships with others.

Knowing Chemistry

Let’s revisit Chemistry.  Besides the fireworks explosion and lightning rod release of euphoric chemicals into our bodies, what other types of chemistry can we look at?

The Knowing sense of chemistry between two people can be realized in many ways. Think of it as a sense of ease, just feeling “at home” when you are with this person.  This transcends all boundaries and is not limited to romantic partnerships but can also be significant in them.  It may be linked to past life connections, a fated meeting or simply your body and spirit “knowing” this person feels right in your life right now.

Knowing chemistry however can be a tricky one!  Sometimes we confuse that knowing sense and try to force compatibility that is not there. Remember, no connection can or should be forced.  

Spoken and Unspoken Communication Chemistry

Another level of chemistry is the way in which two people communicate with each other including a shared sense of humor to an easy flow in the exchange of banter.  You may even reach a deeper level of communication simply through small talk.

Unspoken Chemistry is key here as well.  What is communication without words?  Body language, tone of voice, eye contact, etc.  Is there an ease in the spaces of silence? Try this little experiment.  Focus on body movements and eye contact the next time you are conversing with someone. You will soon become aware of added signs that the person is truly present in the moment with you.  Look for open body postures and frequent eye contact. This is something you can’t do with text messages or e-mails, this requires face to face contact, either in person or at least virtually on-line where you can see each other.

All these areas of chemistry are like the road markers that allow you to navigate your relationship journey.

Types of Compatibility

Let’s now circle back yet again to Compatibility. Remember looking at that new car? Imagine the person you have just met, or perhaps are currently in a relationship with. No matter what level of chemistry we are at, we must examine our compatibility, all different sorts of compatibility.

Relationship Compatibility

This is the quickest marker that jumps up in your path. Relationship Compatibility is a complex issue because the way we treat others and expect to be treated is based upon many things including, but not limited to culture, childhood role models (or lack of), societal norms (what you observe on social media, movies), etc. There are many different categories that can define one’s relationship style.  This is where our expectations of others determine the path of the relationship. 

For example, our expected outcome of how our partner reacts or responds to us, does not align with how they respond or react.  Changing our focus on the expected outcome and diversifying our expectations will give this partnership smoother sailing. Communication is of utmost importance and allowing the other to digest what we propose and be open to their response in a patient way, will enlighten you both.

Love Compatibility

Remember that one person alone cannot fulfill all our needs.  Exploring the healthy parameters of a union will also pave the way to trust and ease during difficult times. The more you love yourself, honor your needs and respect yourself, the more you attract the same coming back at you effortlessly!  Many cultures revere the matching of two people by means of their natal charts. In addition, the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology can match your birth years to find the compatibility quotient. These are fascinating and insightful to explore, and I fully endorse reading up about it.  Knowledge is power and that involves matters of the heart as well!

Marriage Compatibility

Marriage is the committed union of two people. This again ties closely in the past experiences and upbringing of the couple including but not limited to religious influences, family role models and expectations, and of course wanting children (or not) and how they will be raised. First marriage, or second (or more) combined with what each partner truly desires from the committed union are imperative here and must be discussed and in alignment.  Imagine that new car analogy again.  Is this car mostly for local driving?  Quick day trips?  Long, cross country vacations?  Like the car analogy, how will our partnership travel together? Compatibility for marriage is based upon communication.

Relationship Chemistry and Compatibility is Everywhere

Relationship chemistry exists in every relationship we have. That includes the cashier at your local food store, the waitress at a restaurant, your boss, your family members, the people you meet and may never have contact with again.  All of these interactions are filled with relationship chemistry and compatibility.

Take a moment to pause about these dynamics. In doing so, you will be more aware of the work that needs to go into relationships, what you can offer others, what type of person you want to be in a relationship and what you would like to receive. 

Instead of the mentality of “Where is my perfect relationship?” switch gears and ask yourself these questions:

• What type of person do I want to be in a relationship?  (Look for those road markers that will allow you to see if that exists if after the sexual chemistry wanes.)
• Will I still want to take a long road trip with them? 
• Will we be able to encourage and support each other through the difficult times?
• Will we still work for the giggles and the joy?  

The next time you encounter a new person in your life, revel in the chemistry!