Navigating Relationship Expectations During the Holidays
Tips for Healthy Communication & Understanding in Couples
During Christmas and New Years holidays, many couples may find themselves reflecting upon their relationship dynamics due to increased family obligations and social gatherings which often bring up conversations surrounding marriage/commitment expectations from friends/family members etc..
When considering the kind of relationship you want to have with your partner, it is important to be clear about the boundaries that work best for both of you. This can mean discussing the idea of monogamy, monogamish and polyamory.
But before engaging in a conversation about these preferences, it is essential to first create clarity around how you feel and what you want from your relationship. Here are some steps to help create clarity and communicate effectively with your partner about this important topic.
Step 1: Find Your Voice
Take some time alone for introspection so that you can understand what your own feelings and needs are when it comes to relationships. It can be helpful to write down or journal about your thoughts and feelings in order to gain more clarity on yourself.
Step 2: Research Your Options
Before having a conversation with your partner, research both monogamy and polyamory (and everything in between) so that you have an understanding of both options and their potential implications. Understand the pros and cons associated with each option as well as any questions or concerns that may arise during a discussion with your partner.
Step 3: Speak Openly With Your Partner
Once you have done the necessary research, talk openly with your partner about the kind of relationship they would prefer. Make sure they understand why certain boundaries make sense for both of them and be willing to listen if they have any questions or concerns regarding either option. Allow them time to think through their own feelings before coming to a conclusion together.
Step 4: Agree Upon Boundaries Together
In order for any relationship model — whether it’s monogamous, monogamish, or polyamorous — there must be agreement between partners in terms of what is acceptable behavior within the context of the relationship model chosen by both parties involved. Discussing expectations up front will help ensure everyone is on the same page in regards to communication, commitment, trust, respect, honesty, etc., which are all vital components regardless of which type of relationship style is chosen by those involved.
Step 5: Cultivate Self-Love And Respect
Regardless of whether you choose monogamy, monogamish, or polyamory as the foundation for your relationship dynamic, self-love and respect should always come first in order for any healthy connection between two people (or more) to exist long term. Practicing self-love means taking time out for yourself when needed while also honoring who you are at all times without judgement; being aware enough not only recognize but also appreciate our strengths as well as areas where we need improvement helps us become better versions of ourselves at every step along our journey towards personal growth! Some ways we can cultivate self-love include meditating regularly, spending time outdoors doing activities we enjoy such as yoga or walking/hiking/biking/swimming etc., investing in quality relationships with people who bring out positive emotions (and avoiding toxic ones!), practicing gratitude daily by writing down three things we’re thankful for each day…the list goes on! The key is simply choosing activities that make us feel good about ourselves — inside & out — so that we develop a strong level of self-respect no matter what path our romantic relationships take us down!
Ultimately, creating clarity around how one feels regarding monogamy versus polyamory should involve careful consideration from both partners involved; open communication should always be encouraged so that each person has an opportunity express themselves honestly without fear or judgement from the other party involved! By researching these two different models ahead of time while also taking time out to practice self-love & respect throughout this process — together — couples can work towards finding an arrangement that works best for everyone involved as well as build lasting connections based on trust & mutual understanding!
Wishing you and your partner peace, love & understanding this season.
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