Every relationship starts out in that honeymoon phase. You feel like you're on top of the world when you're with your partner. The more you get to know each other, the more you learn. Your relationship can either bring you joy and help you grow, or it can begin to suffocate you and steal your happiness.
Sources:
Power of Positivity
The Wall Street Journal
Psych Central
Bustle
Here are 7 things you should never sacrifice for a relationship:
1. Your Happiness
Your partner should enhance the joy in your life, not take it from you. Ask yourself if your relationship fills you with negative energy in any way. Does your partner make you feel badly about yourself, your dreams, your goals or accomplishments? If the answer is yes, it's probably time to move on. Find someone who will bring vibrant, positive energy into your life and make you feel loved.
2. Your Friends or Family
The relationships you have with your close friends and family members shouldn't suffer because of your romantic relationship. Your partner should understand that there are other important people in your life that you need to make time for. A partner who tries to make you cut ties with your friends or family members isn't worth having around. Find someone who is confident, caring, and understanding enough to know that the two of you don't need to spend every minute together in order to be happy.3. Your Freedom
When you're in a relationship, it's important to be respectful of your partner. Going out with whoever you want whenever you want without communication isn't exactly a recipe for a successful relationship. However, if your partner is making you check in excessively or making you feel guilty about spending time with your friends or family members, it may be a sign of possessive behavior. If your partner constantly tries to control you, it may be a sign of extreme insecurity or unresolved pain from the past. Cutting ties and allowing your partner to heal on their own may be the best option.
4. Your Dreams
Everyone is entitled to dream and dream big. Regardless of how big or crazy your dreams may seem, your partner should be able to support you every step of the way. Even if the two of you have different dreams, you should still be able to offer encouragement and cheer each other on. A partner who makes fun of your dreams or tells you that you are incapable of achieving them isn't someone you want in your life.5. Your Inner Peace
When you're spending time with your partner after a long, stressful day, he or she should make you feel a sense of peace. They should be able to comfort you, reduce your stress, and make you laugh, even if you don't feel like it. A partner who adds to your stress or brings negative energy into your life will only bring you down and destroy your inner peace.
6. Your Beliefs
Whether it's your religion, your spirituality, or your morals, your relationship should never compromise what you believe in. Many couples are able to have different beliefs and still make it work by having a deep respect and understanding for one another. If your partner makes you question your morals or give up your beliefs, it may be time to re-evaluate their place in your life.7. Your Desire To Laugh
Every couple argues from time to time. There are good and bad days, but the good should far outweigh the bad. Your partner should be able to make you laugh. You should be with someone who is willing to do silly things with you to bring out your inner child. Whether it's building a snowman, playing charades or swinging in the park, find someone who enhances your desire to laugh. Find someone you can have fun with.
Sources:
Power of Positivity
The Wall Street Journal
Psych Central
Bustle
