Photo: NDTV
New Delhi, India (BBN) - Being in a happy relationship is great, but being happy with yourself is equally (if not more) important.
Losing yourself in a relationship becomes easy when your life is busy; and all your free time is, as a result, dedicated to your partner, reports NDTV.
While it's important that you spend time with your partner, it's also important for you to understand the need for a life outside of that little cocoon. If not, losing your individuality, compromising on your friendships and letting go of your own opinions will eventually catch up.
Here are a few things you could do to have a successful relationship and still be a strong, happy individual.
1. DO SPEND TIME WITH HIS FRIENDS
It's important and also great when you can get along and spend time effortlessly with your partner's friends and family. He's an important part of your life and they matter to him - so there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
BUT DON'T STOP MEETING YOUR OWN FRIENDS
What you shouldn't forget, however, is that you also have your own friends and family. Spending time with the people that matter to you and you love is important. Don't compromise on that.
2. DO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT HE SAYS
How many times has your partner lent you a listening ear when you've had a bad day at work or just needed to vent about a friend? We're hoping, many. Do the same for him. Communicating with each other is essential - and good, healthy communication involves listening to each other.
BUT DON'T LET YOUR OWN OPINIONS BE WASHED OUT
Listening to him talk about the various aspects of his life and being responsive is important - but getting so carried away in that that you forget about your own interests, passions and opinions is not okay.
It's great to learn and pick up new things from your partner, but in return involve him and show him what you like to do too. You're not his clone, and neither is he yours, so it's important to remember who you are as individuals.
Don't be afraid to get into disagreements and debates once in awhile. It's natural; and, in fact, healthy to a certain extent.
3. DO FIND THINGS YOU CAN BOTH ENJOY DOING TOGETHER
Finding common interests or even developing new interests together as a couple is great. It's the small things that you both enjoy and learn to do together that make you grow even closer. So go have new experiences and make memories you can both cherish (or laugh about!).
BUT DON'T FORGET TO ENJOY SOME TIME APART
As much as you might love spending time together, some time apart does everyone good. Sometimes, just a night out without your partner, or going on a small holiday with your friends is all that is needed to rekindle the romance in a relationship. Being able to keep relationships outside of your relationship with your partner is extremely important too. Plus, it gives you time to miss each other!
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