20 Ways to Maintain Your Individuality In A Committed Relationship
Stuck In A Love Bubble?
Love is a powerful emotion that can blindside us in many ways, but after the pink haze dissipates, you want to make sure you can still recognize yourself. Not morphing into one person when you're so intertwined is a delicate dance, balancing the love you have for your partner and your own needs and aspirations. Here are 20 ways to maintain your individuality even when you're deep in your feels.
1. Spend Time Alone
When you're in love, it's easy to forget to set time aside for yourself, but it's integral to maintaining your individuality. Having a partner that you can share experiences with is amazing, but at the end of the day, life is a solo journey, so don't forget how to be alone.
2. Maintain Your Own Separate Hobbies
Many couples have shared hobbies. That's often what brings them together in the first place. However, it's integral for your own self-growth to develop separate hobbies as well, and not neglect your passions just because you want to spend time together.
3. Book Time With Friends
Many of us become somewhat neglectful of our friendships when we get into a relationship. However, your friends' shoulders are the ones you cry on after your relationship falls apart or when you have a big fight with your partner. Remember to care for and cherish these special connections.
4. Set Boundaries
Being in love isn't about spending every waking moment together. You have the potential of the rest of your lives together, so take it slow and set healthy boundaries. The lines you draw are integral to creating a strong foundation for your relationship.
5. Don't Forget Your Goals
After getting into a relationship, it's common for your personal goals to take a back seat or morph into something new. While it's normal to create new goals that take your partner into consideration, don't make the mistake of completely forgetting about what you personally hope to achieve. The right partner will make adjustments to support your dreams.
6. Stay Financially Independent
We've all heard horror stories of separations after finances are completely shared. It's best to keep some degree of financial separation for your own independence so you never feel trapped.
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7. Set Time Aside For Self-Care
Prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge, separate from your partner. Whether it's exercise, reading, or personal hobbies, it's essential to keep this routine to maintain your independence and not neglect your needs.
8. Express Your Opinions
We're not advocating for engaging in constant arguments, but don't blindly agree with what your partner has to say. If your partner shares their belief on something, take time to think about whether or not you agree, and don't be afraid to oppose them. You are each your own person, and you certainly aren't expected to be on the same page as your partner on everything.
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9. Keep A Private Journal
Journaling is an integral part of self-reflection. It helps you process emotions and has been shown to reduce stress and boost creativity. Try to maintain a regular journaling habit to be in touch with your thoughts and feelings.
10. Do Your Own Therapy
If you're struggling to balance your relationship and your individuality, consider engaging in psychotherapy with a professional. Even if you're already doing therapy with your partner, it helps to have a safe space all to yourself for voicing everything without a filter.
11. Encourage Mutual Independence
It's not just about your individuality, but your partner's as well. Make sure you're doing enough to support them in their personal journey, just as you would like to see them do for you.
12. Reflect Regularly
Whether through journaling, therapy, or talks with friends, make sure you're spending enough time self-reflecting. This helps you organize your thoughts and feelings and become self-aware.
13. Spend Quality Time Together
The time you spend with your partner shouldn't all be time spent on Netflix. Instead of spending every moment together, make the moments you spend together count. Spending time apart also helps you cherish the time you get together more.
14. Learn How To Be Alone Together
If you're living with your partner, it can be hard to set time apart, but you don't truly have to be apart to self-reflect or spend time on your hobbies. Master being "alone together" or sharing space, each in your own bubble.
15. Travel Solo
You may love traveling with your partner, but you may also want to consider occasionally booking solo trips. Solo traveling is amazing for self-discovery, establishing trust, and besides, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
16. Cultivate Your Personal Style
Too often, you see couples that have been together for a long time dressing the same without even realizing it. Shop separately from your partner from time to time to make sure you're maintaining your own fashion sense.
17. Be Mindful Of Your Needs
When you're in a relationship, it's normal to be aware of your partner's needs and to desire to do everything to ensure they're happy. However, don't forget about your own needs. Self-reflect to make sure you're getting everything you want.
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18. Communicate Openly
Most fights in relationships happen out of confusion or one party's unmet expectations. Don't let that be your downfall. Make sure to communicate your needs openly and let your partner know whenever you want to spend time separately.
19. Maintain Your Physical Health
You and your partner may have different habits when it comes to exercise and diet, but don't adjust yourself to their lifestyle if this is an important aspect of your life. Keep prioritizing your fitness goals and overall physical health.
20. Support Each Other's Interests
Maintaining individuality in a partnership is a two-way street. Support your partner's interest in the same way you would want to be supported by acting as each other's cheerleaders.
