Preserving Your Independence In A Relationship
Some people think that life as a couple means spending most of your time with your partner. In reality, there are many other ways to experience a relationship. Sometimes keeping your independence in a relationship can be the key to a deep and loving bond.
A life anchored to someone else can be very damaging. Living this way can eventually leave you feeling satiated, drowned and suffocated. This is not to say that it is often wrong to make plans with your partner.
Maintaining your independence in a relationship allows you to enjoy your time alone, which is always necessary. We all need space to think and feel nothing but peace, both physically and emotionally.
On the other hand, it is also important that you learn to control your ego so that it does not affect your relationship. For example, avoid putting your aspirations and desires ahead of the other person’s.
This can be trickier if you spend most of your time with your partner. The reason for this is that he or she may feel obligated to participate in activities that you enjoy, or vice versa.
The importance of maintaining your independence in a relationship
Often a lack of independence in a relationship is linked to a situation of over-dependence. If you don’t know how to cultivate and maintain your independence, you can get to a point where you don’t know how to do anything on your own. As a result, you will find yourself immersed in a deep and dangerous comfort zone.
To grow on a personal level and learn to value your relationship, it is important to spend time with yourself. Don’t hesitate to find people you love and make fun plans with them. However, this is only possible if there is a good degree of interdependence in the relationship.
In short, keeping your independence in a relationship can allow you to enjoy life while cherishing every moment you spend with your partner. On the other hand, it can also help you control jealousy and possessiveness.
Five keys to maintaining your independence in a relationship
1. Accept yourself in order to accept your partner
It’s always a good idea to do some introspection to learn to love and appreciate yourself. Believe it or not, this is extremely important as you learn to accept and value your partner. Plus, you can build a healthier relationship with your friends and family this way.
In addition, you should try to be aware of everything that sets you apart from other people. For example, your tastes, opinions, passions and hobbies. Appreciating all the traits that define your personality will help you understand that there is no need to adapt to everything that surrounds you.
2. Consult with your partner
Another important aspect is to talk to your partner about the need for individual space and independence. That way you can make the other person understand that spending time alone is actually positive for the relationship and there is nothing wrong with it. Teach them that growing on an individual level also affects the well-being of the relationship.
3. Be honest
As we’ve said, it’s okay to spend time together. However, it is important to always maintain genuine communication with your partner. Remember that honesty is the best policy. That way it is easier to avoid misunderstandings, doubts or even jealousy.
This does not mean that you have to explain everything to your partner. No matter how close you are, privacy is always important and should be respected. Still, it’s important that you try not to hide important things from him or her or keep secrets that could jeopardize your partner’s trust.
4. Save your personal space
Valuing your personal space can be very positive, both for your relationship and for yourself. Activities such as going for a walk, watching your favorite movies, reading an interesting book, playing sports, or anything else you enjoy is important because these things contribute to your self-esteem.
If you put them aside, at some point you will miss them so much that you will suffer. In addition, these little pleasures will allow you to feel the peace within yourself. You will feel calm and relaxed and you will realize that you can feel happy even if you do things alone.
5. Set Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries protect your personal space. So it’s fundamental to talk to your partner about your limits and the attitudes or behaviors you don’t tolerate.
In turn, you should respect your partner’s tastes, values, beliefs, and feelings. A relationship is about teamwork. Respect your partner and you will be respected yourself in return.
As you can see, keeping your independence in a relationship is essential. Spending time alone makes you feel connected to your feelings and thoughts. You are also able to grow as a person and cultivate a richer social life.
