Do for ourselves or do for others?

A group of retired workers in Japan over the age of 60 have asked their government to allow them to replace the younger workers at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. This is the power plant that was damaged by the tsunami where there is still radiation and the older workers are concerned about exposure for the younger ones. They rationalize that it will take awhile before the radiation will affect their bodies and by then they will be much older and close to the end of life. However, the younger ones may develop symptoms when they are at the prime of their lives.

Would I do the same? Would you do the same? How do we decide to when to put our individual interests first and when to put someone else’s interests first? This is also a common source of conflict for couples. Everyday we are faced with making small choices that is either for ourselves or for the relationship. When we make decisions that go too much in either direction, there is a problem with either neglecting the relationship or neglecting your own self-care. Most couples find that balance thru trial and error and it may look different for different couples. Are you paying attention to it in your relationship? Be sure to talk about it with your partner as you grow together.