Channelling our inner power couple

This photo was taken for and by India Today 

Someone recently called us a 'power couple.' 

Now, unfortunately, I know this was a joke. Let's face it, our kingdom pretty much extends to our horses, dogs and cats (oh, and the plants, although they tend to do their own thing). 

What is interesting is that it reminded me of an article I read ages ago about power couples. If I remember correctly, I was click-baited into it by a headline about how Jay Z and Beyonce had managed to reach where they are today. I read a lot of articles (especially the deep insightful ones on celebrities) and tend to forget all about them but the reason I remember this one very well is for its analysis of the power couple. 

Power couples tend to fascinate because it is rare for two people equally powerful to be together over a prolonged period of time. This lies on the assumption that in a relationship there is usually one person who supports the other in his (or hers, but most often his) endeavours and goals. The role of the support is just as key as that of the achiever but the end result is that only one part of the duo is usually seen by outsiders as having achieved something prominent. 

Staying with the example of the show business, when two equally prominent and successful people get together they never seem to last very long. This suggests that this scenario doesn't fit very well with the traditional dynamics of being a couple. 

Hence the fascination for power couples, partners who has been together for a long time and both of whom appear to have achieved prominence. 

The article in question argued that what is common in power couple is the recognition that both partners cannot achieve at the same time and they therefore take turns and alternate between the roles of 'support' and 'achiever.' Sometimes, one party can act as a support for years until the roles reverse, and sometimes the interchanges happen over shorter time periods. Regardless, what matters is that each party is able, willing, keen even, to take a step back and focus on the other's career when an opportunity arises. 

I started my business in media monitoring three years ago, a few months before Manjeev started his horsemanship centre. Over that period of time, while we did spend a lot of time, energy and funds on the horses, we had an implicit agreement that the media business was more important for the time being. This meant prioritising it when it came to decisions about travel, money etc. 

This year, Manjeev has the opportunity to significantly improve his expertise as a natural horsemanship trainer, an opportunity which required him spending extended time away from India and, more importantly, away from me! It was time to turn the tables around and we decided (we didn't even really have to talk about it) that I would focus on taking care of everything in India so that he could benefit from that opportunity. I've had to miss out on important industry events and I've had to reorganise my days to be able to cope. But I know it is totally worth it and I am very happy and grateful to be able to help him grasp this chance. 

In a few months we will have been together for 10 years! Including 5 married years. I'm looking forward to many more years of mutual support and the chance to continue grasping all the wonderful opportunities that come our way!