Even if you love each other to bits, you and your partner must also spend time apart to make your relationship grow. Here are 5 ways to do just that! By Sarah Rogers
Most of us have seen it before, the couple attached at the hip, completely dependent on each other, and always doing absolutely everything
together. I call them ‘you-complete-me’ couples because essentially one
or both partners feel as though they could never do or be anything
without the other.
I’ve been there before, and have witnessed my fair share of
‘you-complete-me’ relationships. While my personal experience took place
when I was 16 years old, and still discovering a lot about myself and
what I wanted, many people continue this type of relationship far into
their adult lives.
What’s it like to be in a ‘you-complete-me’ relationship?
I can think of two people close to me that have entirely unhealthy
‘you-complete-me’ relationships. The first is my sister and her
boyfriend. They met in high school, attended the same university,
studied in the same program, worked the same internship, and to this day
continue to have all of the same friends, hobbies, interests and goals.
My sister and her boyfriend literally don’t do anything without the
other in tow. This is definitely an unhealthy relationship as it doesn’t
offer either of them the chance to grow individually. It’s also
extremely annoying to watch every single decision my sister makes
revolve around her boyfriend. And I’m not just talking about big life
decisions such as where to live and possible career options. I’m talking
about basic every day decisions such as going out for dinner, or taking
a vacation with family or friends.
The second ‘you-complete-me’ relationship that I have to deal with on
a daily basis is one of my best friends. She and her boyfriend live
together, work together, and generally do everything together. While I
also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and cherish the time we have
together during our monstrously busy schedules, I don’t find it
necessary to do absolutely every single thing with him.
I know they’re in love, and it’s a wonderful thing to have your
partner at your side. But this obsession with her boyfriend is becoming
increasingly destructive to our friendship. I’ve tried several attempts
to detach them and get some quality girl time!
I’ve tried suggesting a girl’s day out for manicures and something to
eat. But, not only did she propose that her boyfriend could meet us for
lunch, she even hinted that his hands could use some help. I didn’t
care if he had disgusting callouses all over his body, I just wanted an
afternoon with my friend to talk about whatever we wanted, and not be
censored by her boyfriend’s presence. After numerous other invitations,
all which were followed with “sure, I’ll see what Sam is doing first”,
or “yeah, that’d be great. We’d love to come” I started to give up on ever getting time with her alone.
Why do they have these relationships?
One of the central causes of these ‘you-complete-me’ couples is
insecurity and unhappiness in oneself, in the relationship, or both. To
start increasing the feeling of security and your happiness, it’s
important that each part feels sure of their individualities.
One way to overcome these ‘you-complete-me’ relationships is to find a
balance of space as a couple. Space as in the time you spend without
your partner attached at your hip. Space in a relationship is essential
in allowing a person to learn and grow as an individual, and motivate
each partner to nurture and establish his or her own identity.
How can you have space in a relationship without getting lonely?
Though you may think spending some time without your significant
other will turn you into a lonely mess, you’d be surprised at how much
healthier your relationship can be when you spend a little time apart.
Here are ways you can do that.
#1 First you need to learn to love yourself and enjoy your own company.
Having time with and for yourself is essential to recuperate and be
able to offer 100% of yourself, whether in your intimate relationship,
at work or with your family and friends. If you don’t have the time to
know who you are, and what you want in life, it’s hard to offer your
best to other people in your life.
So take yourself to the spa, take an afternoon off reading at a
coffee shop or even watch a movie alone. Whatever you choose to do, make
sure it is something that you can enjoy, and give yourself time to
reflect on… well, yourself.
#2 You also need to discover and maintain your own friends group. While
it’s nice to have close friendships that you share with your partner,
it’s also exciting when you can call up a friend or two and arrange to
spend time with people outside your relationship.
You must also stop insisting that a significant other can fulfill
each and every one of our wishes and desires, as this is extremely
unrealistic and unfair.
Your relationship with your partner shouldn’t be the only
relationship that can fill your wants and needs in life. Other people
should always be part of your life. You need friends, family members and
other networks of people to offer a sense of community, and to identify
with outside your relationship.
#3 It’s also really important to have your own hobbies and interests.
Of course, you will share some of these with your partner, as it’s
probably what brought you together in the first place. But being able to
be a part of something individually will allow you to gain confidence,
be aware of your personal goals, and generally be your own person.
So join a book or film club, work out at a different gym, take a
night class or attend some events without your partner. Having something
that is your thing is completely rewarding! You should also encourage
and motivate your partner to have his or her own interests and hobbies!
#4 A big part about finding the right balance of space in your relationship is being completely honest with your partner.
It’s not enough to say, “I need space” and leave it at that. Space in a
relationship is generally perceived as a negative thing or as
rejection, so you need to be honest and specific about what it is you
need. If you are vague with your partner, they will most likely be left
hurt and confused.
However, if you are specific why you need the space, your partner
will be less likely to feel rejected and hurt. If you express to them
what you feel you are lacking, or that you want to try something new, it
allows your partner to be more supportive of your need for some time
without him or her tagging along.
#5 Respect your partner’s needs. While you may ask
for support in a new class or personal goal you’ve set for yourself, you
should also respect what your partner asks for. If they show interest
in a new hobby or express that they’d like to mix up their routine, you
need to be supportive as well. A relationship takes the effort of both
parties, so in order to find a balance of space, you need to make sure
each of your needs are taken into account.
Space in your relationship is a good thing.
Growing as a couple is important, but growing as an independent
individual is important too. If you love yourself, have your own friends
and hobbies, and have time to relax from your day to day
responsibilities, you will be a happier individual with an established
sense of self.
With a good balance of space in a relationship, you will actually end
up appreciating your partner more, as you don’t take them or their time
for granted. You will take the time to arrange special nights out, and
making more of an effort when you spend time together.
Couples who respect one another’s space and independence have
stronger relationships. So start taking those new dance lessons or take
that solo trip you planned years ago, your relationship will be
healthier if you just give it a fair shot!