5 things you should never give up for a relationship
When entering a relationship you will be told that compromise is important. However, some compromises are not possible. Craig McNally, local psychotherapist, shares five things that you should not be willing to give up once you have entered into a romantic relationship.
1. Your self respect
The respect that you have for yourself is one important thing that you should not be willing to give up. Your self-respect impacts your self-esteem which plays directly on your confidence level. If you are in a relationship and you feel pressured to do something that goes against your morals and values, then it is time for you to evaluate that relationship and see if it is something that you actually want in your life.
2. Your freedom/happiness
A relationship should not tie you down, instead it should make you feel more liberated if anything. If you are in a relationship and you feel less happy than when you were alone, then it is a sign that you need to get out of that relationship. Your happiness should be your first priority at all times.
3. Your other relationships
If your partner is forcing you to get rid of some of your relationships then that for sure is a red flag. Leave as quickly as possible. No one should be forcing you to sever your relationships with family members or close friends. It could be that they feel threatened by them and want to isolate you as a means of controlling you and so you need to be careful.
4. Your independence/privacy
Even though you are in a relationship, you are still an individual. Your privacy and independence must still be respected by your spouse. If they are hell bent on checking your phone/e-mails or rationing out a monthly spending amount for you, then you need to evaluate that relationship. The power equation is not balanced. Your relationship should not be a dictatorship or a power play, instead, all things being equal, it should be a partnership.
5. Your goals and ambitions
Your goals and ambitions are yours only. If you enter a relationship, that relationship should be a supportive one where in your partner is making a sincere effort to help you achieve your goals. If it is that they are coming to the table with a bag of excuses, negativity and bad mind, then leave while you still can. Your ambitions are yours and you should find someone who is supportive of you and your efforts to put your best foot forward.
