Compromise is necessary in every relationship but do you have to compromise everything to remain in a relationship? My answer to that question is no. There are certain things you should never give up just because of a relationship.

1. YOUR SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE

You should never lose your confidence and self-esteem to remain in a relationship. Any relationship that leaves you full of self-doubt and makes you less confident isn’t a healthy relationship. A healthy relationship should make you even more confident in yourself.

2. YOUR INDEPENDENCE

Just because you are in a relationship doesn’t mean you should stop being who you are. Many people tend to lose their independence in a relationship and it really shouldn’t be so. You need your own space in your relationship to do the things that matter to you. Have fun with friends and enjoy interests that don’t always include your partner.

3. YOUR ABILITY TO MAKE DECISIONS

No one knows you better than you do. It’s so easy to lose your ability to make decisions if you are in a relationship with someone who is very manipulative. Compromise is needed in every relationship but you should be wary of partners that try to control you. While your partner’s opinion matter a lot, your decisions on things that impact your life in a big way should be final.

4. YOUR IDENTITY

I believe if your partner loves you, they shouldn’t try to change you into someone else. A good relationship should make you want to improve yourself not because your partner expects it but because you want to do it for your partner. Constantly trying to change yourself will erode your confidence and self-esteem and it can be demoralizing.

5. YOUR FRIENDS

I see people lose their friends because of a relationship and I must say this is absolutely wrong. Never neglect a friend who has been with you for years because good friends can be hard to find. A healthy relationship allows friends to happily co-exist alongside it.

6. YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS

I see so many people especially women drop their dreams and goals because of a relationship, but should it really be so? A healthy relationship should be the springboard from which to chase your dreams. You shouldn’t be with someone who doesn’t support your dreams.

7. YOUR HAPPINESS

You should never compromise your happiness to remain in a relationship. You shouldn’t stay in a relationship which makes you feel unappreciated and miserable. A relationship should make you happy and not unhappy.

8. YOUR SELF-RESPECT

You shouldn’t lose your self-respect just because you want to be in a relationship. You shouldn’t be in a relationship where your partner would disrespect you over and over again. You shouldn’t be in a relationship where you involve yourself in behaviours you find demeaning. It’s your right to be treated with respect so never give that up.