It may sound strange initially, but playing it safe in relationships is good when you focus on creating emotional safety. Create a space where you can open yourself up and feel comfortable. A deeper connection occurs when both partners can be open and honest.
How you go about creating such a relationship starts with you. Set boundaries first and let your partner know the limitations. The truth is that before you can open up, you have to start at a place where some things are off-limits.
Set Boundaries
The boundaries can be whatever makes you feel uncomfortable, from physical to emotional to financial or any other aspect that affects your feelings towards your partner.
- Share Personal Information on Your Terms
- Protect Your Time
- Communicate Your Comfort Level
- Asking for Space When Needed
Again, this may seem strange, but every relationship has a starting point. By respecting the limits that you place, your partner will understand the limitations. Keep in mind that you must respect their boundaries as well. You can grow closer and open up as the relationship progresses.
Look & Listen
Body language often tells much more about how a person feels than what they say. Please do not ignore what your partner is telling you, but their body language indicates their comfort level.
It’s essential to listen to what your partner says and how they say it. Are they being open or confrontational? Listen to how words are spoken and how your partner expresses their thoughts through body language to get a message across.
Active listening includes looking into someone’s eyes, reacting non-verbally to what they are saying, and asking questions if clarification is needed.
Be Open About How You Feel
You don’t have to share all aspects of your life. But it does mean that you need to be transparent and honest with your feelings at the moment. Sharing honestly helps to open the lines of communication. In addition, being transparent provides a path toward building a better, stronger relationship.
Give Them the Benefit of the Doubt
Instead of being judgmental, try to learn more about why they did what they did. The problem with judgment is that it often includes aspects that are not true and do not apply to what is happening.
You keep the communication lines open by giving your partner the benefit of the doubt. Honesty will deepen the relationship or help end it on the best terms. After all, not all relationships survive. You give the relationship the best chance possible by providing the benefit of the doubt.
If you are interested in playing it safe in relationships, everything starts by evaluating where you and your partner are today. Take time and effort and reach out for an emotionally safe zone to be created. But once that happens, you can enjoy a deeper, more loving connection with your partner.
