Relationship Equality?

First off, let me say that I saw Flight 93 today, and I really liked it. I think it was extremely well done and to me it was a moving tribute to those who fought so hard. I know that some people were angered that the film was released, but I think they are being ridiculous. If it is too soon for them, they need not see it. I am glad that it came out, and I felt that it did far more good than it could ever do harm.

Alright. That rant out of the way, I want to move on to something that I have in one form or another pondered for a while: Can their really be equality in a relationship?

What I mean by this is that the majority- if not all- relationships seem to be lopsided. One person really is the caretaker, while another is dependent. Sometimes there are multiple levels of this that vary between partners. The "traditional" view of marriage for a long time was that the man supported the family financially, the woman, emotionally. Even in this, though, there is no equality. They are not on equal footing, and in that example, no one is able to support the woman emotionally, nor the man financially.

I think that the ideal relationship is one in which both parties constantly benefit. A pairing in which they can rely upon one another equally. Sometimes I wonder if this is unrealistic. Even more, it is possible that it is undesirable. I don't know if I believe that, but perhaps there is something to be said for someone to take care of someone who wants to be taken care of.

I guess there is something in my independent nature that screams out against this, but at the same time, I want to be able to be supported by someone too. I want to know that I provide for someone while they provide for me. I think that in a truly great relationship, two very different people bring out the best in one another... equally. While one may not necessarily be as passionate, if their partner's passion stirs in them their own passion, I would say it is a good match. If the energetic one is the only source of passion in that relationship, I think that is inequal.

At this point I am not sure what the answer is, and I wonder what other thoughts people have. In time, I am sure more will come.