What kind of life do you want to lead?
|
Your partner should somewhat match the lifestyle that you have already established, or the one that you are developing. It's hard to adopt a lifestyle that you don't feel comfortable in.
|
|
It can be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole...it just won't fit. From where you live, to what you eat, to what you enjoy in terms of entertainment, exercise, living environment, friends and the use of social media, it's important to live in a way that is true to who you are.
|
|
|
We have all heard the term "opposites attract", but that term relates more to some of the personality traits, not lifestyle.
Relationships that force a partner to make sacrifices as to how they want to live, may face difficulties in the long run. |
|
Yes, you may be in love and you may even want to spend your life with this person, but it's important to see eye to eye more often than when you are staring into each other’s.
How much of yourself are you willing to "sacrifice" for this relationship?
|
|
The Life Style Connection
|
Ambition, whether it is too much or too little can wear down any relationship. The difference in ambition levels can frustrate people and bring to light some serious questions about the future of the relationship. It isn't about having the same level of ambition as your partner, it is whether or not you accept the level of ambition of your partner. Learn more about "Too Much," "Too Little."
|
|
Social media and its use can provide serious issues to any relationship at any age. It can bring insecurity, jealousy, distractions, miscommunication and more. Social media and technology combined are slowly becoming the number one cause of problems and arguments in relationships. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, watch this video "Social Media is Making Us Sick". Learn more about "Social Media."
|
|
Habits can have a powerful impact on your relationship. Are you aware of all of your partner's Habits / Interests / Addictions? Negative habits on any level – social media, food, alcohol, drugs, video games, porn, shopping or gambling – can sour a relationship fast. Alternatively, positive habits and interests can help build the relationship! Learn more about "Addictions."
|
|
In Dr. Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, he helps you to understand what "Love Languages" are and how understanding them can build your relationship. Do you know your partners love languages? Do you know your own? The key is not just to know what yours are , but to have the ability to give what your partner needs. For example if your partner needs "Words of affirmation" and you would rather show that you care through "Acts of service", there could be a disconnect.
|
|
Is your partner's "Community" compatible with yours? Their friends, their associates, the people with whom they hang out, work, and talk. This community of people don't just influence decisions, but they can alter someone's view and perception of the world, and turn them into a different person! Learn more about "Community."
|
|
Are they neat...or messy? Apartment or house? Downtown or Suburbs? North or south? East or west? 74 degrees or 68 degrees? Toilet sit up or down? Everything in its place or just find a spot? Eat at the table or on the couch? If your living environment is a constant source of conflict it can have serious consequences in a relationship.
Learn more about "Environment." |
|
You need to be aware of and at least appreciate your partner's food preferences and history at the get-go. That’s not to say that you have to love the same food, but you do need to be honest and support one another. It can be tricky if one of you eats gluten free and the other loves bread and pasta for example.
Learn more about "Food Differences." |
|
Are kids a factor in your relationship? Existing children? Future children? It is essential that you and your partner are on the same page about kids and how they may impact your relationship from a variety of perspectives, Time/Discipline/Cost/Interests/Travel etc. Children can be a very complicated and very fundamental category. Do not take this one lightly!
|
|
Family can be a source of great pleasure and happiness, but it can also be a negative influence. All relationships and families go through difficult times and experiencing occasional problems and conflict in personal relationships is normal. However, sometimes these problems can become overwhelming.
Learn more about "In-Laws." |
|
When it comes to relationships, don’t overlook the effect that pets may have. A pet is a big part of someone's life that often has long-term implications to a relationship, often positive, but sometimes negative. Many pets require a constant commitment of time and finances. They can either improve or detract from a relationship!
Learn more about "Pets." |
So What Does All This Mean?
Life Style is the way you choose to live your life the majority of the time. Things like your location, the type of home you want, the things you like to do for fun, etc. It is your preferences in how you want things to be overall. People can be very different regarding how neat they are, what they like to eat and drink, how adventurous they are, etc. It is essential that you find a partner that brings your authentic self to the forefront so that you can value and appreciate life.
Where would you like to go next ?
Chemistry
|
Conflict
|
Emotional
|
Financial
|
Life Style
|
Physical
|
Sexual
|
Spiritual
|
|
If you have found any of this interesting or helpful and would like to learn more, our "Life Style" growthshop is a great way to have some fun and learn more about the impact of Life Style on your relationship!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|