Incompatibly In Love 🌍

Sydney Sam(top left) & Zipporah Danquah

Openspace Global started off 2025 with a topic under our 'Questions, Confessions & Closure' series, Incompatibly in Love, a thought-provoking, virtual Community discussion that explored the realities of romantic relationships and the myth of perfect compatibility. Hosted by Zipporah Danquah and Sydney Sam, with contributions from Phoebe Gbesemete and Kyerewaa Atta-Krah, this conversation examined how love, expectations, and personal growth intersect in relationships.

The event kicked off with a lighthearted “Never Have I Ever” icebreaker, where participants reflected on personal experiences with incompatibility—whether minor turn-offs, difficult compromises, or major life decisions affected by differing values. Laughter and shared stories set the stage for a deeper dive into the complexities of compatibility.

The discussion explored key areas such as:

• Defining Incompatibility: Icks, Dealbreakers, and Beyond – Participants unpacked the difference between surface-level dislikes (the ‘icks’) and fundamental non-negotiables like financial priorities, career ambitions, and differing views on family.

  
  

• Discovering Incompatibility After Commitment – The panelists and audience shared experiences of realizing incompatibilities only after committing to a relationship, highlighting how life transitions—such as new jobs, relocation, or parenthood—can shift perspectives and challenge relationships.

  
  

• Family Dynamics & Differing Values – The role of family expectations, cultural beliefs, and religious differences in shaping relationships was discussed, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and mutual respect in navigating such challenges.

  
  

• The Myth of Perfect Compatibility: Expectations vs. Reality – The conversation challenged the idea that the right person means zero conflict. Instead, attendees explored how insecurities, unrealistic expectations, and personal growth shape relationship dynamics.

  
  

• Navigating Incompatibilities: Communication, Compromise & Growth – The session highlighted the importance of effective communication, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence in overcoming differences and sustaining fulfilling relationships.

  
  

• Love as a Decision – The discussion concluded with the idea that love is not just about feelings but a conscious choice—one that requires patience, compromise, and ongoing effort to navigate incompatibilities.

  
  

Key Takeaways:

1. Compatibility is important, but not absolute – No two people are perfectly aligned in all aspects, and navigating differences is a key part of relationships.

   
   

2. Growth and self-awareness matter – Many incompatibilities are not dealbreakers but opportunities for growth, both individually and as a couple.

   
   

3. Communication is everything – Open, honest dialogue can help partners bridge their differences and create stronger emotional connections.

   
   

4. Love is a decision – Beyond emotions, love thrives on conscious effort, forgiveness, and commitment to making the relationship work.

   
   

The event ended with a call to action for continued conversations on love, relationships, and self-growth within the Openspace community. Participants were encouraged to engage with the platform, share feedback, and join future discussions.

Credits: Euriel Adjokatcher