General Question

Esedess's avatar

When it comes to romantic relationships, I am forever on the fence. What is the underlying reason, and what are some exercises that could help me become more definitive?

Asked by Esedess (3467points) April 3rd, 2018
7 responses
“Great Question” (1points)

Every relationship I’ve been in over the last 10 years has gone the same way. I feel unsure about my partner as a permanent addition to/reflection of myself. As a result, I hold that person at a distance with one foot out the door while scrutinizing their lesser actions/capacities with my perfectionist tenancies. In turn, the lack of security they rightfully sense results in uncharacteristic jealousy, insecurity, and a lack of confidence that then perpetuates/increases my reservations and distance.

This is not to say that my reservations are entirely unjustified. In many instances, other objective parties have agreed with my concerns, and thus I’ve wondered if I just haven’t met the right person who would make me “sure.”

But after so many recurrences, I’m at least aware enough to know that something within me is also to blame.

I’m concerned now that future relationships will go the same way regardless of the partner.

I don’t mind hearing what’s wrong with me, if it’s somehow clear to you. But mostly, I think I need some ideas in the form of experiments or exercises or challenges (call them what you will), that will eliminate the cycle of endless questioning and help me learn to commit more definitely, when/if the time comes.

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Answers

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

You are free to do what you want while you are single. When you want to have children then you are responsible for another life for 18 years or more and your life revolves on taking care of your children. The old fashioned way was for marriage to be for raising children. Now it is to have a life partner legally and to be next of kin in hospitals and estate planning and to be a sign of love and commitment.

Unofficial_Member's avatar

If I were in your situation I would want a partner who realized the complexity that I have to try to convince me, to relentlessly try to find a way to earn my trust so that my distrust will eventually melt away but I know such a thing is most likely a wishful thinking as many mature individuals out there will simply go away if they don’t wish to make any efforts to soothe my distrust or if they think there are many people out there that are more suitable for them.

I have only one advise for this situation. Love does not follow logic. Let yourself wide open, do not be afraid of getting hurt in relationship due to differences as that is basically a process to achieve a mutually understanding relationship. Accept your partner for who they are, do not hold them on to your standard. Failure in relationship is relative but you will not regret any failure if you have done your best in the relationship. Forgive me if this feels like a lecture to you.

Don’t be ashamed to be have a heart-to-heart conversation with your chosen partner for any concern that exist in your relationship. In fact, you should do it, considering the situation.

kritiper's avatar

Quit worrying about it! Assume that you may never meet that special someone and just get on with your life as a single person!

funkdaddy's avatar

Just from reading what you’ve written here (we can all appreciate the limitations of a couple paragraphs to convey the complexities of relationships)

I’d ask if you’re settling initially for someone to keep you warm rather than waiting for (or seeking) someone you’d be willing to fight for? Have you dated someone you’d consider your better half?

The “one foot out the door” and scrutiny leads me to believe you don’t think they’re quite right, even initially. No one is perfect, but there are mistakes we empathize easily with, and those we cannot. That’s part of what makes you who you are.

Be scrutinizing before the relationship rather than during.

If there’s an exercise beyond that, it’s probably to be extra kind to those you’ve decided to be with, once that decision is made. Friends, family, and significant others are all still people who need kindness and will usually return the favor. We could all use the practice.

Zaku's avatar

I recommend the book How To Be An Adult In Relationships . It offers useful perspectives and exercises on these and other useful topics. The exercises help you learn about your own individual organization/orientation towards relationships, and how to develop yourself and your skills to have more functional relationships, how to develop your understanding of what your needs and wants are, evaluate relationships and partners, detect issues, etc.

janbb's avatar

Iwould suggest a short course (or long) of therapy to identify why you are putting up walls and whether you want to change that.

Also, you might want to look at he books of Harville Hendricks about the imago theory of relationships; Getting the Love You Want and Keeping the Love You Find. There’s also a workbook associated with it.

NomoreY_A's avatar

Huh?

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