Relationships are a lot like Chinese finger traps. What do I mean by this? Well, think about how your fingers get trapped in one of these things if you keep pulling them in opposite directions. On the other hand (no pun intended), if you push them towards each other, then you're able to free both fingers.
Imagine you are one finger and your partner (whether it be lover, friend, business partner, etc) was the other. If both of you pull in opposite directions, that is, if you are only concerned with your own wants and needs, then you'll end up stuck and constricted. But, if both of you (and this does require both parties to participate) have the other person's needs in mind and place them above your own, then you'll both be free and happy.
Naturally, you'll come closer to one another, therefore finding solutions that will benefit the both of you and make the relationship stronger.
Bottom line- relationships that exist only for personal gain do not last. If you want a successful relationship, then you cannot be greedy. You should place the other person's wants and needs above yours. It might sound stupid at first...but trust me, it works!
PS- I didn't take this from some book. I actually learned this in a couples retreat I attended with my fiancee months ago. Today, it dawned on me that the the Chinese finger trap was a great way to explain this principle to others. It allows us to understand the importance of communication and sacrifice for the joining of two separate parties and/or individuals.
