An ideal relationship partner supports the person that you are, and who you are becoming. When you feel supported, you feel free to be yourself and pursue your dreams.
When your relationship gives you anxiety, you need to express those feelings to your partner for your well-being. Often we fear strong emotions and how to express them to our partners so that they will continue to love and support us.
You shouldn’t have to avoid your feelings or pretend to be someone else to keep your relationship afloat.
Here are 5 things you shouldn’t be afraid to do in a relationship:
1. Be your authentic self
People are wonderfully diverse, unique, and they have their own quirks that make them special.
You should never be afraid to be true to yourself in a relationship. If, for example, you are a person who is obsessive compulsive about the cleanliness of your home, then your partner should support you in that whether it’s something you embrace about yourself or something that you want to change.
2. Voice your feelings
Naming our emotions out loud can be difficult, but you shouldn’t be afraid to do this in a loving relationship. When you’re angry, say that you’re angry. You shouldn’t have to dance around the subject by saying that nothing’s wrong when your facial expressions and body language say otherwise.
3. Have a confrontation
Some people are afraid of confrontation due to fears of not getting what they need or being belittled during an argument. Arguing can involve things that are scary such as raised voices, swearing or threats. However, you shouldn’t let fear of conflict keep you from confronting your partner’s inappropriate behavior.
4. Have some time alone
Some people think that happy couples spend every moment together, but that’s just not the case. Being away from your partner can help you to focus and feel rejuvenated. It can allow you the peace that you need to collect your thoughts or just to get something done without interruption.
5. Change
People are capable of change, if they want to. Often, an old behavior pattern is not healthy and you want to improve yourself by changing. For example, you might want to change your eating habits or a pattern of negative thinking.
If your partner is threatened by the change that you’re making, explain your reasons, and ask them to support you.
