How to Be Independent in a Relationship?

Women in relationships lose hold of their identity. Too often, women merge their lives with their partners, because they feel guilty. This leads women to give up significant parts of their life such as hobbies, values or beliefs and social life. This paper will closely examine the reasoning for changes in women within a relationship and how to avoid them.

In looking to understand your significant other, you first have to know and understand yourself, as an individual. Take the time to make sure each of you are aware of your own beliefs, and do your best to try and remember that both of you have your own personal identity. “Your identity is a consistent set of attitudes that defines who you are. If you accept and like yourself, in spite of your faults and failings, you will be more likely to carry a positive attitude into your interpersonal communication with others. If you accept yourself as you are, you will be more likely to accept others as they are.” (Sole, K.(2011)3.5, pp83).That is important if you wish to maintain good interpersonal communication skills with others. Self- identity is what makes you, the individual, so special. Maintaining a positive self-image can result in a higher feeling of self- worth. Self-esteem can be defined by its “two primary components: a sense of self-efficacy or your personal effectiveness and a sense of your personal worth and self-respect.” (Sole, K.(2011)3.5, pp85). By surrounding yourself with people who are positive influences, you stand a better chance of maintaining a positive self-image. “However, your self-concept,

Sometimes in a passionate relationship, one is willing to give up their own selfish desires

Both men and women have strengths and skills that are important for a relationship and growth. We need to ensure that both partners play an important role in a relationship so that it can benefit both parties and the relationship.

Independence involves breaking from the commonly accepted, traditional views in order to explore the new. It is not necessarily individual people working alone. We can see independence in a community of thought as well as in the work of a single person.

Do you know what the DNA of relationships is? Well, I finally figured it out. After reading the book DNA of Relationships, according to author Dr. Grey Smalley, the three codes are: you are made for relationships, you are made with the capacity to choose, and you are made to take responsibility for yourself (Smalley 11). While reading this book I came across a few unnoticed strengths and weaknesses of how I handle my own relationships. I was able to point out some expectations I look for in a relationship, as well as the boundaries I set in result of fear. Although I have was not able uphold past relationship because I was not aware of these fears, I known have the ability to improve my relationships.

It is the "essence" of relationships. No relationship can exist by defintion unless the parties sacrifice some individual autonomy. On the other hand, too much connection can destroy a relationship. When two people are so tighly connected, their individual identity becomes lost. They are seen as one, instead of two seperate people. To balance the pair, each person in the relationship needs to define what their standard of separateness and connectedness is. Each must agree on how much "together time" and "separate time" is needed in order to establish and maintain a posive relationship.

Individualism is the habit of being independent and self reliant. An example of individualism is presented in The

First, the secure relationship style shows few problems with developing satisfying friendships and relationships, such as trusting others and developing the bond with others (Larson & Buss, 2014). Second, the avoidant relationship style portrays by having difficulty in making commitments, relying on others, and trusting others because they are afraid of being disappointed (Larson & Buss, 2014). Lastly, the ambivalent relationship style is characterized as having high levels of neediness, reassurance, and attention in their relationships as they are overly dependent (Larson & Buss, 2014). Shieh shows few characteristics that describe avoidant relationship style, such as, avoidance of intimacy, afraid of commitment, and fear of being abandoned. He did not realize his problems with dating until he was in a serious relationship with Donna.

To regain that sense of partnership, try to actively show your partner how much you appreciate him or her.

The "rules of relationships" included: autonomy, similarity, supportiveness, openness, fidelity, togetherness, equity, and magic. Autonomy, mentioned by 37% of the essays, refers to letting one's partner have a life outside of one's relationship. Similarity, mentioned by 30% of the essays, refers to being interested in similar things as one's partner. Supportiveness, mentioned by 27% of the essays, refers to cheering on one's partner. Openness, mentioned by 22% of the essays, refers to sharing oneself with one's partner.Fidelity, mentioned by 17% of the essays, refers to staying committed to one's partner. Togetherness, mentioned in 16% of the essays, refers to spending enough quality time with one's partner. Equity, mentioned by 12% of the

It is believed that one must have a well balance sense of self in order to form intimate relationships.

In a relationship, we have to know what we can, and cannot live without. Being in a relationship means nothing, no one is perfect and in a relationship, there

Are you in a relationship? Can you imagine if your partners have to go aboard for their work or study? Will you think about breaking up?

15. Show appreciation. Nurture your love life with warmth and goodwill. This inspires your partner to want to please you. Appreciation is among the top ten needs for most people.