I used to be such a romantic. I believed in a soul mate. I believed in true love. Now, I don't know what I believe when it comes to a life long mate.
Originally Posted by Nicolette Bordeauxva
The expectation for a relationship to last a lifetime has it's good points and it's bad ones. Simply having the expectation that your partner will never leave often means couples mutually take each other for granted. I see in conservative cultures, when healthy respectful marriages occur, they try to do a lot of maintenance work on the relationship, knowing it's meant to last a lifetime. In liberal relationships, the expectation for of "till death do us part" seems to create a lot of awkward pressure that your partner should somehow always do and say the perfect thing, and has no right to psychological privacy.
Entering into a relationship with the expectation that we'll do what we can to be good to each other, to make the voyage of life a little easier and more pleasant for your partner, seems much more peaceful. Beyond that, life changes, people change. If it lasts a lifetime, consider yourself blessed. If it doesn't, I'd hope we're both glad we'd found each other, even as we parted.
All my life I was codependent. I felt I needed a man in my life to "complete me." "I LOVE you, please don't leave me!" was a desperate cry from within. I was very insecure. I was committed 100% and lived my life to please my mate, then when he didn't live his life for me - I was devastated. "After all I've done for you..."
I hope you don't beat yourself up over this. It's a common head space, one women are often expected to adopt. Glad you broke out of that cycle.
Why do we have to own someone else? In a relationship why am I yours and you are all mine? Why do we have to envision our future with this person, instead of just enjoying that they are here right now in this moment. Why do we have to think about FOREVER?
You've hit on why I've adopted polyamory (asides from enjoying multiple partners). From the perspective of my faith, it's unacceptable to try and own another human being. Only you have the power to make yourself happy, no external forces can do that. I believe in giving them total freedom, and if we can't make our philosophies and desires work together, moving on alone.
I have always been stunned when someone in a traditional relationship says something like "I'd love to go out this weekend, I'll have to ask my wive/husband." Seriously?! I don't think I've ever asked my partner for permission to do anything, nor have they of me. I'm not saying it's wrong, just that it's totally alien in my world view. I mean, sure we inform each other of what's going on, and are considerate of each other, but neither has the power to say "No".
Why do we get jealous? Is it from insecurity? Are we afraid if he talks to her, he might like her better and leave me? If he sleeps with someone else, he may not ever come home to me? Or if he loved me he wouldn't want anyone else?
I once was hitting on a soldier at an airport bar. When I told him I was in a relationship, but we both see other people he asked: "Aren't you afraid he'll meet someone he's more attracted to and leave?"
Sure I am. However, if someone can make him happier than I can, he has my blessing to move on. One life to live, and he has the right to be happy.
Jealousy is a bit of nurture, a bit of nature and a sprinkle of society. What we're raised to expect from our nuclear family, what our natural personality leans toward, our experiences in life. Often people feel socially mortified if their partner is caught cheating, more hurt by the thought of gossip and laughter then the cheating itself.
I do indeed have a jealous streak, but when it kicks in I have the good sense to realize it's my insecurity, and won't inflict my shortcomings on my partner. It's up to me to work though my emotions.
Why do we NEED to know that this will last?
You have to admit, it's a pretty nice feeling to have a friend or lover who enjoys you so much, they're happy to be a constant in your life. I just think it should be a choice, not a binding contract. It should be done out of free will and joy, not expectation.
I used to think I would DIE without him (any of them that I loved), but now I cherish the moments and don't worry about the future. I have survived worse.
A lovely place to be