HOW TO AVOID A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP

When we’re in love, lines can get blurred. Sharing your life with someone doesn’t mean your independence ends. With this guide, discover the secrets to avoid a bitter relationship. 

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Finding someone to share your time with is a beautiful thing, but it’s equally important to maintain your sense of self along the way. We’ve all been caught up in the whirlwind of a new romance, forgetting about our own needs and desires sometimes. Let’s explore some essential tips on how to avoid your relationship from getting toxic.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SACRIFICING AND COMPROMISING
In a healthy relationship, sacrificing and compromising can be confused. Sacrificing can often mean one person is putting their needs aside, not feeling completely satisfied with the outcome, but choosing to let it be. In the long run, this can snowball into feelings of resentment towards your partner.

Compromise, on the other hand, involves adjusting willingly without feeling pressured. Both parties are adjusting towards a common goal in a give-and-take instead of just giving in! Recognise the difference between the two and ensure that you’re not constantly sacrificing your own desires for the sake of your partner’s.

@therapyjeff Is there a difference between compromising and sacrificing in relationship? #mentalhealth #therapy #dating #relationshipadvice #datingadvice #sacrafice #compromise ♬ original sound - TherapyJeff

MAINTAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE
Remember that being in a relationship doesn’t mean your independence ends. You should feel fulfilled in yourself enough that your partner being a part of your life simply adds to its greatness! Your partner should not be the be-all and end-all, but welcome company along the journey of life. Continue pursuing your passions and spending time on your personal growth. A healthy relationship would support your personal development.
SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS WITHOUT YOUR PARTNER
Spending time with friends without your partner is not only acceptable but also essential. Your friends are an important part of your life, often having known you before your partner did. Maintaining those connections with others is important and you should never feel isolated or cut off from your friends.

It is healthy to have separate social circles and activities that you enjoy with others, besides your partner. If your partner has a problem with you having fun without them, it is important to discuss the deeper reason as to why. This could range from jealousy and insecurity to control. As they say, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

@thesecurelove Read comments for HOW to start making changes ❤️ (P.S Secure Love Group Program is OPEN for application!!) #anxiousattachment #relationshipcoach #marriagetips #attachmentissues #relationshipproblems101 ♬ Chill, lo-fi, piano, relax, night(901841) - Yu Yaguchi

EMBRACE TRANSPARENCY
We all know we should never lie to the ones we love. You should not be afraid to express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your significant other. Being open about your needs and boundaries helps them understand you better and provides a good foundation for the both of you to be considerate of each other.

@adultingwithjoycepring Complete honesty 💯 #relationship #love #fyp #foryou @Mikael Daez ♬ P.S. I LOVE YOU - Paul Partohap

SHARE INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS JUST AS MUCH AS MUTUAL ONES
It is important that when you are together, you engage in activities that interest you as individuals. Pursuing mutual adventures does help bonding and creating shared memories, but persuing individual interests with your partner can help you learn more about each other’s likes and how you are when you are in your element. Whether it’s something artsy like a pottery class or watching a documentary one of you is obsessed with, doing it together is like sharing a piece of your soul!

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