Balancing Togetherness and Individuality
Here are a few ways you and your partner can find a good middle ground.
If the era of social distancing has taught us anything about relationships, it’s that romantic partners need to be comfortable with being away from each other for extended periods. It should form part of a mindset that encourages both partners to function as a unit while maintaining their tastes, perspectives and individuality. As daunting as the task seems, the reality is far simpler.
Encourage Clear Communication
You may be a loving partner who knows their beloved like the back of their hand, but you can’t read minds. This is why open and honest communication is so important. You and your partner should encourage each other to be honest about the times where you need a bit of alone time. If you’re busy with something and can’t respond to texts, let your partner know instead of replying hours later. Similarly, if you’re exhausted after a day of work and need a bit of bed rest, it’s better to let your partner know instead of giving them a half-hearted call that drains your energy even more.
Pursue Individual Interests
One of the most exciting things about love is how it brings together two people who are utterly different from one another. It’s quite common for creatives such as musicians and painters to be drawn to analytical people such as accountants and IT specialists. It’s why the phrase, “opposites attract” rings true. Your ideas, interests and unique identity are what drew your partner to you, so why stop just because you’re in a relationship. Encourage your partner to pursue their interests, and they are likely to do the same.
Start Having Solo Dates
Dates are the fuel that keeps a relationship going. And since your relationship with yourself affects your relationship with your partner, it only makes sense to make sure you’re treating yourself right. There’s no better way to do that than take yourself out on a date. Order your favourite takeaways or prepare a mouthwatering meal and set aside some time to do something you enjoy. You could organise a cinema night for yourself and watch a slew of movies back-to-back. Alternatively, you could treat yourself to a bubble bath before you dig into the meal you prepared. Just be sure a tube of closeup toothpaste is close by when you’ve had your fill.
The bottom line is, there’s no need to sacrifice your “me” for “we.” A bit of alone time, it turns out, will only make your relationship stronger.
