A relationship is made up of two people with hobbies, interests, and affection for one another, who create a bond with each other that is greater than the sum of their parts.It is important for people in a relationship to maintain their independence because one of the hallmarks of a successful relationship is a commitment to one another.Setting aside time to yourself, communicating boundaries, and maintaining a healthy relationship with your partner can help you stay independent.
Step 1: Hobbies and interests can be separated from your partner.
Being in a relationship shouldn't stop you from doing the things you want to do.hobbies and interests you don't share with your partner will help nurture your independence and maintain your sense of selfThis is a good time to find something that your partner doesn't like.You can affirm your independence by pursuing a hobby that won't require sacrifice of your partner.hobbies can impact your well-being beyond being a source of independenceStudies show that hobbies like painting, writing, and hiking are good for your health.You should tell your partner why independent hobbies are good.
Step 2: You can call the space you have your own.
It is important to have a part of the home to yourself if you are living with your partner.Set aside an area of the house where you can be alone and not have to worry about your partner.You should let your partner know that you want to have your own space and explain the situation to them.Don't tell your S.O. if you lock yourself in a room.Where are you?If you are setting aside part of a shared residence as your own, be sure to put your stuff in the area, even if it is a room or a corner of the room.If you want to spend time away from your partner, you can go to a coffee shop or public park.Your space needs to be private in the context of your relationship, not the rest of the world.Encourage your partner to have the same space.
Step 3: Spend time with your family and friends.
When you become dependent on your partner for social interaction, it is easy to stop seeing your other friends.It is helpful to see friends and family on a regular basis.Depending on your social needs, how often to see friends and family is up to you.It is possible to maintain a healthy social life outside of your relationship if you only do it once a week or a month.When your relationship goes through hard times, your friends and family will be there to support you.Remember, they love you.Make sure to spend time with your own friends as well as your partner's friends to maintain a unique sense of identity.
Step 4: When you need to, take a break from the relationship.
You need to take care of your own needs as an individual, even though you are part of a relationship.Don't be afraid to take time away from being in a relationship to focus on yourself when you feel overwhelmed.It can last as long as you need, because it's more about taking a mental break than anything else.Sometimes taking just a day.It's all up to you to get yourself back to normal.It will increase your sense of self-worth if you can be by yourself without your partner.Prolonged absence will make your partner's company more attractive.Before you embark on your mini-vacation, be sure to communicate with your partner.Maintaining independence should be something your partner supports.
Step 5: During time off, be true to your partner.
Taking time away from your partner to maintain your independence doesn't mean seeing other people.Don't betray your partner's trust when taking time off.If you feel overwhelmed and want to reestablish your independence, having an affair might be a good idea.If you betray your partner's trust, affairs can be devastating and your relationship may not recover.Taking time away from the relationship is dependent on the fidelity of your partner.Open communication is important.
Step 6: You should prioritize your goals for yourself.
Having a self-identity that isn't subsumed by your relationship is what being independent means.You shouldn't sacrifice your goals for yourself on the altar of your relationship if you want to be a good person.It is a good idea to talk to your friends and family to see if you are still the person you want to be.It may be a sign that something needs to change if you find yourself no longer happy with who you are.
Step 7: You should set healthy boundaries for your relationship.
The boundaries of healthy relationships recognize each individual's personal independence and happiness.If you want to maintain your independence and take care of your needs in the relationship, you need to communicate with your partner about setting boundaries.If you feel uncomfortable lying for your partner, tell them you are not willing to do it.Make sure your partner knows that the boundaries you set have nothing to do with your feelings towards them as a person, and that you be direct when setting them.Don't use threats when setting your boundaries.This may end up alienating your partner.
Step 8: You should be open about your desire for independence.
You will want to keep your partner informed if you are doing anything to maintain your independence.When you talk to your partner about why you want to be independent, remind them that you are still invested in the relationship.Make sure you frame your words in a way that adequately conveys your concerns without hurting your partner's feelings.Think about how you would feel hearing this conversation from them.They may think it's their fault that you want to spend less time with them.Open and honest communication is important for a healthy relationship.
Step 9: Stand up for what matters to you.
You should always be in control of your own priorities, even though you should be willing to compromise in a relationship.Don't let your partner sway you away from the things that matter to you and be willing to stand your ground.This does not mean that you should never compromise.Decide what morals or values are non-negotiable for you and be willing to compromise on everything else.Do not change your personality for another person.If you are in a relationship with someone who is an irreverent, make time for them as well as other interactions.If evenly dividing the responsibilities for chores is important to you, say so in a respectful way.Don't let your partner sway you on things you care about, but be willing to accommodate where you can.
Step 10: Encourage your partner to grow.
To be healthy in a relationship, it needs to be balanced with each partner investing in themselves.Your partner should be encouraged to pursue their own independence and to maintain their self-identity.Tell your partner that it is okay for them to spend time with their friends and family, to go to movies or concerts without you, or to have their own hobbies.As soon as you can, set expectations for independence in the relationship.If you are fighting against codependency in the relationship, it will be harder to nurture independence in both partners.
Step 11: Do not expect your partner to share all your interests.
People complain that their partner doesn't like the same things they do.A healthy relationship should be between unique individuals.Curb your expectations and remind yourself that you don't need your partner to validation your interests.It is not a good idea to expect your partner to like all of your interests and hobbies.It is ok to maintain your own hobbies.
Step 12: Take care of your mental health.
Don't let your relationship make you doubt yourself, your self-worth, or the validity of your hopes and dreams.Don't let yourself place your relationship before your mental and emotional wellbeing if you take stock of how you're feeling about yourself and your life every once in a while.A lot of people in relationships lose sight of their own goals and self-worth.You should always keep in mind that your self-esteem isn't dependent on being in a relationship.
Step 13: If you need help, ask.
It is easy to become dependent on your partner for emotional support in a relationship.Being independent requires being able to look for other support.Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.You can make an appointment to speak to a counselor if you reach out to your student's counseling center.In trying times, friends and family who have gone through relationships or are vulnerable with you are good sources of emotional support.Being independent in a relationship doesn't mean going it alone.
Step 14: If the relationship has become abusive, recognize it.
Codependency and abusive relationships are not good for you in your pursuit of independence and growth.There are signs that your relationship may be harmful.Abuse can be physical, verbal, or emotional in an abusive relationship.They are being abusive if your partner hits you, berates you or emotionally blackmails you.A healthy relationship requires healthy boundaries.If you don't have an independent personal life and feel like you have lost all your boundaries, you may be in a codependency relationship.Seek help if you are in an abusive relationship.If you want to temporarily live in a domestic violence shelter, move in with family and friends.