Why is it important to have friends outside the relationship?
It’s not uncommon for people in a relationship to spend all their time together, especially during the honeymoon phase. However, spending too much time with one person can be unhealthy and lead to codependency.
Therefore, it is important not to neglect other loved ones, such as friends and family, after entering a romantic relationship. Explain why it is important to nurture.
How to Create Security in Relationships?
Most people want to feel connected to the important people in their lives. Especially with relationships with loved ones.
It’s fairly easy to tell when a relationship is good from bad, or when it feels dysfunctional. Sometimes, especially early in a relationship, we confuse feeling good with a safe connection.
A safe connection refers to emotionally safe dynamics in a relationship where both partners feel seen, heard, and understood. According to Dr. Sue Johnson, developer of emotion-focused therapy for couples, there are three basic ingredients of a safe connection in a romantic relationship.
Accessibility
Thinking about accessibility means that all parties in a relationship are there for each other. Do they react when you report them? Will you answer when they answer? Can you handle all parties? These affect your relationship with a friendly partner.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to how you are perceived when you approach your partner. When your partner tries to share their needs and pains, do you accept their concerns? When you approach your partner, he lets you know he’s interested.
Commitment
The commitment extends beyond content delivery to the connection one partner experiences when reaching out to another.
The partner’s level of commitment brings a sense of understanding and caring, “I understand” or “I’m trying to understand because I know it’s important.”
A Safe Space
Being able to enjoy a safe connection in a romantic relationship often increases self-confidence, reduces stress and anxiety, and makes exploring the world more interesting.
People in romantic relationships often seek a secure connection, but this can be difficult to experience. If you’ve been hurt by a previous romantic relationship or hurt by a relationship with your family where you came from, you may see your current relationship as your only source of connection, belonging, and security.
A strong emotional connection
When this happens, people move from a secure connection with their partner to one that can feel draining and insecure.
Dependence in a relationship is expecting your partner to meet all your emotional needs, not just support each other. If partners cannot do this with each other, the relationship can spiral and one or both partners feel dysregulated. Expectations become unreasonable and eventually, partners feel isolated and under pressure to perform.
When a relationship feels so unstable, both parties can feel constant anxiety and stress about the quality of the attachment. Partners often become frightened or even angry with each other, leading to poor communication and further misunderstandings and insecurities.
The Benefits of Maintaining Friendships with Others
Having good, friendly friends can help you get through life. You may need to rely on others for support, encouragement, validation, or help to organize your thoughts and challenge your perceptions. Instead, a supportive person provides opportunities to discover new things, have new experiences, and share laughter.
When a sense of interdependence is encouraged within the relationship, partners can affirm their commitment to each other while encouraging continued self-development outside the relationship. Emotional accessibility is still there, but the pressure of being the only supporter is reduced.
The bag of benefits
Friendships can offer many of the same benefits as safe romantic relationships. For example, people you can work with.
Relationships may need support. See When Your Romantic Relationship Could Use Some Support. People who love each other sometimes hurt themselves, even if it’s unintentional. If a relationship needs guidance and support, it’s time for your partner to work through their own hurt and find what the relationship needs at the moment.
So seeking advice and perspective from someone you trust can benefit your relationship.
Creating Boundaries With Friends
Boundaries are always important in a healthy relationship. When you and your partner are discussing maintaining a friendship outside of your relationship, having a rational discussion of boundaries can help both partners stay secure in the relationship.
Are there any topics that should be taboo? Do you have anything to share with your friends? Having an honest discussion about it with your partner is key to reducing fears and anxieties.
We need to foster safe connections in our love relationships. However, you can still enjoy a safe connection with your romantic partner while developing non-romantic friendships.
Friendships Offer Opportunities for Self-Expression
Sometimes it's hard to say something to someone you care about. There are also behaviors around him he cannot brag about. What would you do if you were in this situation? You are probably looking for a friend or family member to turn to.
A loyal friend has a unique way of understanding your predicament. You seem to be attuned to your inner feelings, except that you are of the same sex.
Know when to vent your frustrations. Having friends outside of your relationship will help you express yourself authentically and honestly. This will give you the energy and fulfillment you need.
Friends Allow More Space for Positive Interaction
Social interaction plays a big role in our health and longevity. They need their flock to share their joys and sorrows. Your friend is a so-called oasis in the desert.
There are episodes that break relationships. As mentioned earlier, we don’t always have sunshine and rainbows. There are storms that must be weathered.
Sometimes you need a break.
At the last
Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about how to foster a healthy sense of interdependence while maintaining accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement, the fundamental building blocks of a secure connection. Being open with each other in this way can benefit the quality of your relationship. If you find that your relationship is taking too long, you can get help from a relationship therapist to build a better relationship.
Reference-https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/232828/5-reasons-why-you-need-friends-outside-of-your-romantic-relationship/amp