Yes, we’ve heard. Love is about compromise. A back rub here, a tossed collection of Playboys there. But true compromise—meaning more than a “You take the trash out on Tuesdays, I’ll do Fridays”—can really test a relationship.

An example? When you both have dreams but there’s only room for one at a time. But who goes first? And how long until it’s your turn? We asked two couples how they tackled this compromise.

THE CONSTRUCTION ENTREPRENEUR AND THE BUSINESSWOMAN
Kristin and Marc, both 30, are a regular Donald Trump and Martha Stewart… if the two of them were happily married, not so scandalous and not so filthy rich. After working for a large construction firm for many years, Marc decided to venture out on his own. Kristin fully supported this idea but knew this meant she would need to put her dream of pursuing an MBA on hold.

While Kristin continued to work at an advertising agency, Marc built his business and exceeded his yearlong goals in only six months. “Marc is very ambitious, and he is already talking about starting other companies that would be offshoots of his business,” Kristin says. “That’s when the thought ‘Hey, wait a minute; isn't it my turn?’ goes through my head.”