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"Romantic relationships are one of the most precious gifts of human existence. Being able to relate to someone on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels is empowering and life-changing.
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However, despite how they may seem on the surface, solid relationships aren’t always easy. Like everything we encounter in life, the purpose of relating to another is to allow us to understand ourselves better. Because of this, we often gravitate towards people who might challenge us, push our boundaries, or stretch our limits. In fact, relationships often force us to see some of the uglier aspects of ourselves that might only arise when provoked.
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As long as there is mutual love and respect between partners, this is a good thing. Romantic relationships provide a direct path towards self-transformation and self-understanding because if we look closely, we can clearly see ourselves when reflected in the loving eyes of another. By working through difficult times with someone we care about, we learn to love more selflessly as we develop qualities of kindness, compassion, commitment, empathy, and support.
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That’s not to say that visibly happy couples posing in public aren’t happy either; we can have it all, regardless of what some say. Happy couples support each other rather than depend on each other. They value growth, change, and freedom instead of routine, comfort, and attachment. If we respond to our partners genuinely, from the heart, with these values in mind, we can live both the ups and downs of our relationships through genuine love.
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Take a moment to reflect on your best relationships in life – even if they may have ended. How did they help you to grow, and how have they shaped who you are today?
