BY MAL JAMES
I used to resist long-term plans in relationships, fearing they'd tie me down, but I learned that commitment doesn't diminish independence, and if you find yourself avoiding future discussions in relationships, it could be hindering your ability to fully embrace them.
If you're hesitant to share your struggles or seek comfort from your partner due to a fear of vulnerability, it may indicate that your independence is affecting your ability to form a supportive bond, a behavior I struggled with in the past.
In my early twenties, I often prioritized my friends over my romantic partners as a way to maintain independence, but I learned that consistently doing so can harm relationships and that balance between friends and a partner is essential.
In a healthy relationship, sharing your schedule fosters inclusion and trust, and my reluctance to do so in past relationships was driven by a desire for independence, which ultimately hindered the connection.
Consistently keeping your partner separate from your inner circle can indicate a reluctance to fully integrate them into your life, a pattern I recognized in my own relationships as a misguided attempt to maintain independence, but introducing your partner to your broader social and family circle can deepen your connection and show the relationship's significance.