Holding on to your authentic self

A common occurrence in relationships is for one person to try so hard to be what the other one expects of them, that they loose themselves in the relationship, usually the woman. Should the relationship end, the woman ends up alone and out of her depth.

In the early stages of a relationship we all want to please the new person in our lives and we are likely to make concessions to please them. Of course that is also necessary, it’s what a relationship is all about – sharing and spending time together. How do we know that we are about to cross the fine line from healthy companionship into co-dependency and losing yourself?

· Set boundaries that you will not cross right from the beginning – and stick to them, even if it costs you the relationship. Of course there’s no need to be petty about this. Boundaries should apply to important factors such as religious viewpoints, sexual preferences and choices and other issues that you feel strongly about.
· Don’t loose touch on things that are important to you – like spending time with family and friends and hobbies.

· Don’t become completely dependent on the other person for everything you need. Be sure that you give your 50% in your relationship and that they do the same.

· Don’t let your self-esteem be dependent on how they treat you. Be a person by yourself, for yourself. Give yourself all the love you need and others will follow suit.


· Require more of the people you share your life with. Don’t be happy with less than you deserve.

Go on – love yourself, you deserve it!