Being in a strong, loving, committed relationship is one of the best things in the world. It can make you feel safe and content and happier than ever. But you probably want some ways to maintain a sense of self when you are in a relationship.
It would be fair to say that when you are in the throes of coupling up and you spend every waking hour with your partner, a phenomenon begins to happen in which you start to become a symbiotic pair rather than two individuals who are dedicated to each other. Complete devotion to a loved one is a wonderful thing, but it is also important to retain that part of yourself that makes you a unique and individual person. Here are some great ways to maintain a sense of self when you are in a relationship.
Being in a relationship doesn’t have to mean living in each other’s pockets 24/7. To make sure that you maintain your own sense of self and personal identity, it’s important to still enjoy a healthy amount of me time in amongst the numerous couple’s activities and excursions that you enjoy. This could be as small as taking a few hours to yourself with a great book in a cosy coffee shop, or as big as going away for some rest and relaxation for a long weekend at a fancy spa. Me time is one of the most important ways to maintain a sense of self when you are in a relationship.
It can be very easy to live in a bubble of relationship bliss with your partner, but you really need to keep the strong relationships with your family and friends going as well. They provide a connection to your past and can remind you to stay true to the person that you were long before your new love interest came along! Friends and family are the only ones who can give you a good old fashioned reality check!
Rather than putting all of your interests to the side in order to indulge his, make sure that you encourage your partner to join in with some of the hobbies that are important to you. It will provide the perfect balance of making new memories and traditions in your relationship while also keeping a vital part of your personality and identity in the present.
Lots of girls fall into the trap of being afraid to say no to their partner for fear of upsetting him or turning him off. There is no getting away from the fact that not everybody wants to do the same things, so don’t be nervous to put your foot down when you want to. Confidence in your convictions helps you to stay connected to your sense of self.
If you are starting to feel a little overwhelmed and lost in a relationship, the key thing to do is to communicate this, not only to your partner but also to those closest to you. If you stay silent for too long, you will lose all of your sense of self in favour of being consumed by the relationship, so don’t be afraid to reach out for communication when you need it the most.