We've all probably been there before: when we're asking our significant other to make a decision for us. Whether it was what to have for dinner, our nail polish color of the week, our outfit for the night, or what show we want to watch on Netflix that night. Yes, sometimes we are lazy and sometimes we are indecisive and that is okay! But, there are some things that I think should never be dictated by your significant other.
1. Your Hair Style
If they don't like it, oh well! You should not be with someone who is so shallow as to debate the relationship over a hairstyle. If you are happy, feeling confident, and feeling hot: then WORK IT! It is your hair and you're the one who has to maintain it, style it, and live with it. Anyone you are romantically involved with should like many more things about you other than your lovely locks.
2. Where You WANT to Live
Notice the WANT. As in your dream home and destination. Although the likelihood of actually ending up in London or on an Australian beach or in a mansion in Iceland are slim: a relationship should never diminish your dreams or crush your imagination. A partner should stand by you and dream big with you: reaching for absurd goals together.
3. Your Career and Education
What YOU want to do and be is not decided by someone else. They do not know you inside and out. They do not know every inner desire and dream you have for yourself. Chasing after what you want will ultimately make you happier, rather than having possible resentment towards a partner who influenced your college or career choice.
4. Where You Want to Travel
If you have the money and the time off work: EXPLORE. This is especially true for fresh relationships (under a year or so). You do not need to be traveling together, if you see the relationship lasting than you will have plenty of time for that in the future! Spend a weekend with your friends at a beach house, Air BNB to a lake house for a week in early fall, go abroad with your family, road-trip by yourself and meet new people; do whatever pleases YOU and isn't centered around the memories and "picture opportunities" for your relationship.
5. Your Happiness
I should not have to explain why a significant other should dictate YOUR happiness. No other person should hold the power to your happiness, it is a trait 100% your own.
While I do believe there are certain things that should be discussed and decided on as a couple: where you do end up living, household expenses, children, pets, date nights, etc. There are many things that are still left in YOUR hands and dreams. Being part of an "us" does not mean you have lost "YOU" and your individual spark.