For example, maybe you’ve only been seeing your partner for a few months now, but you’re spending every night together. If it feels like too much, try setting a limit of spending weekends and 1 night during the week together every week. Or, if you live together, you could decide on 1-2 hours a night to spend time in separate rooms and decompress from the day. Having boundaries also helps prevent resentment in a relationship, which can really help make it last!
For example, you could go for a run by yourself through a nearby park every day to get some quality time alone with yourself and your thoughts. Or, you could sit in a sunny corner of your home with a good book and a cup of tea for 1 hour a day to unwind by yourself.
You can also spend time with family on your own. For example, if you have siblings that live nearby, go over to their house once a week to catch up and spend some quality family time without your partner. [6] X Research source
For example, maybe you used to paint in your free time, but you gradually stopped doing it when your significant other came into your life. Take up painting again and make time to do it in the evenings or on weekends. Encourage your partner to pursue their own personal projects, too. That way you can both share the cool things you’re working on with each other and create an encouraging, supportive environment to do them in. [8] X Research source
A good romantic partner should encourage you to pursue all your goals. If your partner is not supportive of you having your own personal goals, you might want to reevaluate the healthiness of your relationship.
For example, if you’re feeling out of shape, sign up for some aerobics classes or join a gym to get back on track with your fitness goals. Or, if you are feeling lonely, make time to call your family and friends every day. Looking after your partner’s needs is great, but don’t let it get in the way of yours. [11] X Expert Source Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSWPsychotherapist Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
For example, if your partner always chooses the restaurants you eat at on Friday nights, start picking the restaurant once or twice a month. Or, if you always say yes to watching football with your partner, but you really don’t care for the sport, explain to them that you’d rather let them go do that with their friends and use the time to do something by yourself.
It’s totally okay if you want to make a joint bank account that you both put money into for things like vacations or home expenses! However, you may still want to keep the majority of the money you need for living and personal expenses separate to feel more independent.
Being apart while you’re on vacation also gives you and your partner time to miss each other. The romance is bound to feel more intense when you get back!
