How important is independence in a relationship? On the one hand, it’s essential to have your own space and be able to do things on your own. But, on the other hand, it can be nice to have someone there who supports and helps you through everything. So, how do you find the right balance between independence and interdependence in your romantic relationship? Let us know in the comments below!
Relationships evolve, and so does the definition of independence and interdependence. At the beginning of a relationship, both parties may feel very independent and in control. However, as time passes and the couple grows closer, they may feel more interdependent. Independence and interdependence are two essential aspects of any relationship, and both partners must understand how they think about each before making any decisions.
Independence becomes a roadblock in a relationship at times. However, when it comes to relationships, the most successful ones are those that can weather any storm together. Both people have their own goals and values, yet they find a way to compromise when needed. How couples communicate and compromise is a significant part of any relationship.
Communication is a significant factor in any relationship, whether it be a good one or not. When communicating with your partner, you need to understand what they need from you and vice versa. Therefore, being open and honest with your partner would be best. If you are not, you will find yourself in a situation where you do not understand what they want from you and end up trying to fit them into what you think they want.
When you insist on being independent and do not consider interdependency an essential aspect of a relationship, you risk becoming isolated and self-focused. You will see the world as your oyster and not be concerned with helping others or sharing that pearl. Think about it: If you and your partner weren’t in a relationship, you would have no one to share those pearls. If you have a partner who is not interested in sharing, they have no one to share those pearls with. So why would you want to share your pearls with someone who doesn’t care about sharing?
The key to developing a healthy relationship is moving from independence to interdependence. Interdependence is the ability to share and be there for each other. It is the ability to share your pearls with another person and have that person be there for you in return. Interdependence allows you to let the other person be their person while simultaneously leaving room to consider each other in making decisions and plans, even when considering how you interact. Unlike co-dependency, interdependency doesn’t require the other person to fix all your problems.
Instead, it allows them to be present, listen, and contribute to what you ask them, but the key is in the asking. Sometimes interdependence looks like sitting and listening or offering a shoulder to cry on and be held.
The healthiest decision for any relationship, romantic or otherwise, is to move to a level of interdependence where that independent self finds deep-seated security and trust in the other person. You become free to be yourself without fear of judgment or abandonment. Unfortunately, many independent individuals have gone through a trial in their life that has caused them not to trust anyone but themselves.
