Relationships Aren't All About Us | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Relationships Aren't All About Us

You can still be independent while being in a committed relationship.

18
Relationships Aren't All About Us
hero.wikia.com

Being in a relationship is fun, no matter how old you are. Healthy relationships, along with all the inside jokes and romantic dates and occasional arguments that come with them, should be viewed positively. Many high school relationships often involve spending a lot of time together. I mean A LOT of time. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying your partner's company, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

It is completely natural to want to spend time with your significant other. Whether you choose to eat at a fancy restaurant, watch a movie at home, or even run errands together. You simply enjoy being with one another. However, spending every second of every day with your partner could result in issues down the road.

For example, it is common for people to spend less time with their friends after getting involved in a romantic relationship. This can have negative impacts for several reasons. First, ditching plans with friends to hang out with your boyfriend/girlfriend will only upset your friend. Nobody wants to feel like a third wheel or a second choice. Additionally, losing touch with friends means that there is nobody to talk to if your relationship goes downhill. In the event of a breakup, you will find yourself more alone than ever. In order to avoid these issues, learn to balance your relationships. Divide your free time between your family, friends, and significant other. This should help you maintain healthy relationships with all important people in your life.

At the same time that people lose focus on friendships, they also begin to lose sight of themselves. These people begin to let their relationships define who they are as individuals. They only go out and participate in activities if they are with their partner. They become less involved in hobbies that they used to love. Instead, they spend every waking moment with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Sound familiar?

I understand the struggle of maintaining a feeling of independence while being in a relationship. I have been in my current relationship for about a year and four months. Within these past 16 months, I have spent a lot of time with my boyfriend. We are constantly going out to the Hampstead Diner for breakfast, taking hikes at Pretty Boy, cooking dinner for the family, and watching the newest movies on Netflix. Even grocery shopping can be fun when we're together. I enjoy every second we spend together, regardless of what we are doing.

On the other hand, I also really enjoy being alone. I have an introverted personality and prefer reading in bed over going to a loud party. Despite this fact, I often choose plans with my boyfriend over taking time to myself. Recently, I have realized that it is not a crime to want space in a relationship. It is not wrong to want to do things by yourself, even if it is something that your partner would enjoy doing with you. You are allowed to be independent while being in a relationship. In fact, maintaining your independence and individuality is crucial in having a healthy relationship.

That being said, I decided to take a day to myself. I did some yoga, threw on a cute outfit, grabbed a book and my journal, and drove to Westminster. Destination: Cup Tea Bar and Cafe. At first, I was nervous. Not because I have separation anxiety from my boyfriend, but because being introverted often leads to feeling uneasy in public places. However, I felt relief once I entered the cafe. I love the atmosphere of cafes. From the smell to the decoration, everything is so inviting. I was especially in love with the music selection. After hearing "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers, "Bang the Doldrums" by Fall Out Boy, and "Victorious" by Panic! at the Disco, I knew I was in the perfect place. After placing my order, I opened up my book and let myself drift into the novel. It wasn't long before I was sipping on a latte and eating one of the best salads of my life. After lunch, I went for a walk along Main Street. I found myself in small art galleries and thrift shops before eventually heading home.

Taking myself on a "date" was definitely an enlightening experience. It reminded me that I was able to go out alone and enjoy time to myself. Additionally, it reminded me that I don't have to be glued to my boyfriend in order to have fun. Taking the time to read, write, and the walk was something I didn't know I needed. It was satisfying to be able to pay for my own meal and make decisions without first asking another person's opinion.

For anyone in a relationship, remember not to lose sight of who you are as an individual. Focus on your relationship while also making an effort to take care of yourself. Remind yourself that it is perfectly acceptable to put yourself first. Allow yourself to be independent. Take time to do the activities that you enjoy most, even if it means doing them alone. You'll be surprised at how much it impacts your happiness and improves your relationship.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

4472
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450702
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22334
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

45234
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments