Why a Balanced Relationship Is a Healthy Relationship
Wondering how to restore balance in a relationship that seems to lack a balance in time investment, dedication, and even boundaries? While relationships of any kind can be difficult to keep equal at times, it can be particularly challenging in a romantic relationship due to feelings of deeper emotional investment and, in some cases, the belief that you are obligated to give all of yourself to your partner.
We’re here to tell you that that’s not the case! Once you understand the necessity of striving for a healthy relationship, you’ll confidently know how to restore balance in your relationship.
Healthy relationships call for alone time
This is true whether you’re in separate homes or are living with your partner. Spending time apart from one another is essential for both people in a relationship to be alone with their thoughts, decompress, and do whatever they want with their time — whether that’s napping, playing video games, or reading a good book.
We’re not saying to avoid spending time together, just that it’s crucial to ensure you’re not spending every waking moment with one another.
It’s not neglectful to prioritize aspects of your life
A balanced relationship calls for both partners to avoid over-extending themselves beyond what they can handle. Likewise, it’s unfair for either partner to expect the other to give more than they are capable of. To avoid this, set boundaries for yourself from the beginning (if you haven’t already, it’s never too late).
One of the signs you’re in an abusive relationship is that your significant other does not respect these limitations and continually off-sets the balance of your relationship in their favour; always receiving and never going out of their way to give back.
Relying on your significant other inhibits your independence
Relationships should enhance your life, not replace or inhibit the things you were already capable of doing before engaging with someone romantically. While it’s essential to trust your significant other with your concerns and stresses (more on that in a bit), it’s equally important to feel confident in your ability to handle things on your own. After all, it’s not your partner’s responsibility to fix your problems!
Time apart allows you to know yourself as an individual
Just as when you’re single, it’s still vital when in a romantic relationship to take the time to get to know yourself. As time goes on and you learn and grow from the experiences that evolve you, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of who you are. Practise self-love exercises like soaking in a hot bath after a long day, journaling about your experiences this week, or speaking to your therapist. Another great way is going on self-dates to enjoy the activities you love most!
A balanced relationship is more likely to last
When either partner feels bombarded by expectations and a sense of disrespect, it often won’t be long until they feel the need to ‘escape’ the relationship for a more freeing situation. Folks who respect one another’s boundaries give each other the necessary space each person needs to flourish. This leads to having a better relationship. In doing this, there is open communication and an understanding of trust that leads to being emotionally attuned.
This is one of the benefits of a secure attachment with your significant other!
Your partner should be there to support you when needed
The purpose of enforcing a balanced relationship is so that you can have better conversations with your partner (and an overall strengthened connection). A romantic relationship should offer friendship and unconditional love; thus, it’s still important to spend quality time with your significant other, continually get to know them, and speak candidly about your lives to one another. When things become stressful or challenging in your life, it’s okay to need support from those you can trust.
Mutual comfort, care, and encouragement are paramount for a good relationship to thrive!
Healthy relationships allow us an opportunity to grow as individuals and present the best versions of ourselves to our partners. Without the chance to grow — one of the unfortunate effects of not having a balanced relationship — you hinder your chances of maintaining passion in your relationship and respecting the essential boundaries you’ve set.
Without showing respect for your personal relationship with yourself, it sets the tone that other people can have the same attitude, too. Ultimately, you want to be appreciated and well-treated, and the person you are in a romantic relationship needs to fully believe that, too!
How do you work towards having a balanced relationship, and what do you think are the best ways to restore balance in a relationship? What qualities do you feel are essential in healthy relationships? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
