4 Tricks to Maintain Your Independence in a New Relationship

New romance can be a great thing. It’s exciting and intriguing, but it can also cause you to neglect other important aspects of life. Don’t be that girl who abandons her friends, interests and even her own independence. Sure, it’s fine to be enthralled with your new romantic prospect, but never lose yourself over your romantic interest. Here, we’ve listed down some tips on how you can enjoy the honeymoon phase of your relationship while still staying independent.

1. Never Ditch Your Friends. You probably heard of stories about people who dropped all contacts with their friends when they got a new girlfriend or boyfriend. Don’t be that person. If you made plans with your friends, learn to keep them. Don’t lie by saying that you’re busy when you actually feel like hanging out in the couch with your new romantic interest. Remember that the more you cancel your plans with them, the less likely they are to invite you next time. If you really care for them, then learn to make time for them.

2. Stay True to Your Interests. As you spend a lot of time together, it’s only natural that you become interested in his or her hobbies as well. You start swapping music interests, and watching each other’s favourite movies and TV shows. This is actually a good thing, but remember that you don’t need to change who you really are. Don’t stop listening to Wiz Khalifa just because he hates the rapper. Don’t stop wearing your favourite dress just because it’s not his favourite colour. Basically, don’t pretend. If he really loves you, he’ll respect your own interests as much as you respects his.

3. Take Things Slowly. If you really like a person, then you’re potentially going to be spend some time with them. So just relax and let everything go with the flow. I’m not going to preach about not kissing on your first date or saving yourself for marriage, but remember that there’s no need to rush. You’ve got your entire life ahead of you. If the person you’re dating is here to stay, then he’s going to stay no matter how slow or fast you take all the giants steps in your relationship.

4. Spend Some Time Apart. Remember the saying, ‘Absence makes the heart grow fonder’? Guess what, it’s actually true. Spending every second of every day with your new beau isn’t healthy. Learn to chill by yourselves on particular days. Have some precious me-time, bond with your friends and maintain your own life.

New relationships are really fun and exhilarating, but remember that it’s a balancing act. Don’t lost yourself in your partner and don’t let your relationship consume every aspect of your life. Learn to live your life for you and not solely for your relationship. That way, you get to maintain your independence while nurturing a healthy romance with your new beau.