The perfect relationship - does it really exist? Well, that's a difficult question for most people to answer, but some lucky individuals out there seem to have found theirs.
A lot goes into building a happy relationship, and things aren't going to go smoothly 100% of the time. There are plenty of areas that people struggle with, and one of the most noteworthy is self-care. Without it, you'll likely struggle to keep things together with your partner, so it's important to figure out how you can look after yourself if you want to truly be happy.
In this guide, we'll go over why is self-care important for any couple. Keep reading for more.
It Teaches You to Love Yourself First
You've probably heard people say that you need to love yourself a thousand times, and while it may feel a bit cliché, it's completely true. If you don't you'll never truly be able to give yourself to others mentally, emotionally, or physically. This can make you do certain things; even unintentionally.
A lot of people end up "using" their partner to try to fill the emotional void that they feel. You may suffer from a constant need for validation, and this is a clear sign of a codependent relationship.
Getting into some good self-care habits will help you find validation from within. As a result, you'll have an easier time remembering the main purpose of your relationship; maintaining a healthy love for your partner and yourself.
It Strengthens Your Sense of Self
Even if you have a completely healthy relationship, you and your partner won't always feel the same way about things. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, however. It can actually be beneficial as it strengthens your sense of self.
Before you met your partner, you probably had your own values, needs, passions, and preferences. A lot of people start to lose these when they meet someone they're interested in. Their focus instead switches to making that person happy.
It may seem like a good idea at the time, but it's counterintuitive. If you start sacrificing your own happiness for a relationship, it will soon start to show. You'll then find you have a harder time making them happy, and things may start to fall apart.
You and your partner aren't the same person, so don't try to be. Having separate interests and hobbies outside of your relationship is good for both of you.
It Improves Communication
One of the most important elements of a happy relationship is good communication. If you take the time to look after yourself, it will help with your emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and your ability to clearly express yourself.
You'll have an easier time being open and honest about your needs, desires, fears, concerns, and boundaries with your partner. This will help you build more meaningful connections with them.
This can also help you better understand your personal triggers. You'll be able to identify them more easily so that you can pause and try to prevent a situation from getting worse before you continue.
It Sets a Positive Example
The importance of self-care is for both you and your partner, and if you start taking better care of yourself, it can reflect onto them. By setting a good example, your partner is likely to notice, and it will encourage them to prioritize their own self-care.
You can build a culture of well-being within your relationship. This will benefit you and your partner, and you'll both have an easier time thriving whether alone or together.
It goes without saying that helping your partner practice self-care is ideal in a relationship. It will help foster love and you'll be able to build a stronger bond.
It Encourages an Interdependent Relationship
An interdependent relationship is one where both partners can be happy and offer flexibility to one another. This can make it easier for either of you to rely on the other but only in areas that are related to your relationship.
When it comes to things outside of your relationship, you want to be able to be happy without being dependent on your partner. You may have your own hobbies that your partner has no interest in, for example. If you have a solid interdependent relationship, you'll be able to enjoy these hobbies without your partner and it shouldn't cause any issues (and they'll be able to do the same).
It Supports Healthy Boundaries
Some people try to avoid having boundaries in relationships, but this doesn't usually work well. It's often beneficial to set expectations, and letting your partner know that you prioritize your emotional, mental, and physical health is a good way to do this.
If you have boundaries, you'll have an easier time sticking to commitments (both personal and interpersonal). With this, you'll also be more likely to respect your partner's boundaries.
You and your partner should be able to discuss your boundaries, and ideally, you'll both be open to compromise (to a degree). At the same time, these boundaries shouldn't be overstepped. Having a good understanding of the boundaries in your relationship will help with this.
It Can Improve Your Overall Health
It's no secret that self-care can offer several health benefits. It may reduce (or even eliminate) stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also help boost energy levels.
Being in a better state both physically and mentally can do good things for a relationship. You'll be a happier version of yourself, and this will help you make more of a positive impact on your partner's life. This is another reason why self-care in relationships is so important for both you and your partner.
Why Is Self-Care Important for You?
So why is self-care important? Because it will help you build a stronger relationship in many ways. Taking care of yourself will help strengthen the bond you have with your partner, especially if they do the same.
Maverick Marriage Therapy is dedicated to helping couples maintain healthy, happy relationships through professional counseling services. We have over 10 years of experience and offer a range of approaches so you can choose something that suits your situation. Take a look at our couples and marriage counseling page to find out more about how we can help.