Waiting for love

 Waiting for love

by 

Memona Sohail


Introduction

“Waiting for Love” is about love overcoming everything else, and it may not be the kind of love you think at first. 

Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place on what we're waiting for

Why waiting for love is worthy? In today's fast-paced world, there's this idea that if you haven't found your soulmate by your mid-20s, you're somehow falling behind. But honestly, it's totally okay to find love at any age. It's all about the journey and the experiences we have along the way.

For example, I used to think smoking was a dealbreaker, but then I dated someone who smoked and it made me realize it's not something I can compromise on. We all have our own dealbreakers, right? It's all about figuring out what we want and don't want in a partner.

Photo by Valeria November: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-with-cigarette-sticking-out-of-water-16265518/

Communication and trust are absolutely crucial in any relationship. If you can’t openly talk about your feelings or have trust issues, it’s really hard to make things work. Trust should be given until someone gives you a reason not to trust them. It’s all about giving each other the benefit of the doubt. 

And yeah, important life events like marriage and kids can definitely be dealmakers or dealbreakers. It’s totally okay to have different preferences, but if you’re on opposite ends of the spectrum, it can make things more challenging. Like, for me, I definitely want to get married and have a few kiddos. If I’m with someone who doesn’t want any of that, it might be tough to compromise. 

Don’t worry about not finding your true love at an early age. It’s amazing when it happens, but everyone’s journey is different. We all have our own love stories to write, right? Just keep being open to new experiences and who knows what the future holds. In, this article I will cover the topic of love life of a girl, role of society, reality and expectations of love, stress and strain of late marriage, internal turmoil, physical changes, marital issues, coping mechanism and psychological point of view. 

When it comes to an article about waiting for love, the objective can vary depending on what the author or reader wants to achieve. The main purpose of my work is to delve into the complex emotions and challenges that come with waiting for love.

It might explore the feelings of longing, uncertainty, and hope that people experience during this period. The article also aim to provide guidance and advice on how to navigate the waiting process. This involve offering practical tips, sharing personal anecdotes, or discussing strategies for self-growth and self-love while waiting for the right person to come along. 

Ultimately, the objective of the article is to shed light on the topic of waiting for love, provide insights and support, and help readers find comfort and optimism in their own unique journey. Hope that gives you a more detailed understanding.

Initiative of love life

“Love is not a one-way street. Knowing when to walk away is important. Love is a verb not a noun."

Falling in love as a teenager can be a wild ride. With all those hormones and changes happening, it’s like being on a roller coaster. Sometimes you feel on top of the world, and other times you’re down in the dumps. It’s intense, exciting, and sometimes a bit scary.

Teenage love can really amplify some typical teen behaviors. For girls, you might notice them being super distracted, daydreaming all the time, and bringing up their crush’s name whenever they can. They might also become more antsy, anxious, and have changes in appetite, like eating less than usual. Staying up late, spending more time on their appearance, and hiding out in their room texting or talking on the phone are common too. 

Photo by Budgeron Bach: https://www.pexels.com/photo/loving-young-couple-standing-on-bridge-with-bouquet-of-red-roses-6532843/

Let’s not forget those intense mood swings! 

Girls are emotionally more sensitive and they build trust faster than boys. When someone, treats with little empathetic mood, shows affection, some respect, few caring gestures, and love. They think, their fairytale is existing within this person.

There is possibility these relationships can last for long term or in many cases this lead to direct break up. Let’s dig in few common methods to practice relationships in teenage, societal pressure, and later life following:

1. During the crushing phase, teen girls, they get admired, from afar and may not even talk. But behaviors like daydreaming, mood swings, and talking about their crush are still common.

2. In the attachment phase, teens start talking and connecting with each other. It’s the flirty stage where they find small ways to show their interest. Girls might feel really distracted, nervous, and jumpy during this time. They might obsess over conversations at lunch or spend hours texting friends to decode the meaning behind a comment on their social media post.

3. Once the two people in the teenage relationship express their interest, they start dating or hanging out together. It can be a super exciting time, which might lead to irregular sleep, decreased appetite, and mood swings. 

4. During this phase, teens girls, in a relationship become more comfortable with each other, spending a lot of time together and building trust. They may also start exploring sexual activity. It’s a period of growth and development, but it can also have its ups and downs.

It can be hard for teens to distinguish between sexual attraction and true love, especially with all the hormones during adolescence. Defining and recognizing love can be challenging at any age.

5. At some point, one or both people in a teenage relationship may start feeling irritated or trapped. They might be attracted to other people or not ready to get more serious. Differences in maturity levels can also cause issues. As the relationship nears its end, teens may appear more irritated, anxious, and sad.

6. The breakup stage of teenage dating can be really tough. It can happen gradually or suddenly, and it might be mutual or one-sided. Some teens even break up through text, even though it’s not the best way to do it.

Slowly and gradually, girls life change in each ear. When most of the population fall in love and failed for the very first time. It rebuild a new self in them. They get to know, what’s their demand, need, and expectations from relationships and marriage. 

How a girl looks like who knows her worth? She's a bookworm (reads new chapters of life with open heart), constantly exploring new perspectives and ideas. Reading takes her on incredible journeys, evoking deep emotions. Music is her companion, soothing her soul and reflecting her inner self. When faced with challenges, she finds solace in the melodies that resonate within her.

At night, she struggles to sleep as thoughts about life and the past consume her. Memories of happiness and sadness overflow, and deep thoughts keep her awake. She feels deeply and loves unconditionally, but she's cautious about toxic relationships. However, these nights are making a strong girl out of it. With power and willingness to find reliable person in coming life. 

She understands her value and refuses to settle for less. She doesn’t rely on others for her worth and puts her faith in a higher power. She may not stand out in a crowd, but her true value goes beyond appearances. Here, where she get to know, her life is going to face a turning point next. New life needs to be in better position with right person. When girls identify inner desire or inner turmoil by societal pressure. 

Development of expectations

In a solid relationship, people have high expectations for how they're treated. They want kindness, love, affection, and respect. They won't tolerate any form of abuse and expect loyalty. Conflict is normal, but when handled in healthy ways, it can actually lead to better understanding.

In relationships, it’s important to understand that not all problems can be solved. Around 2/3 of conflicts in relationships are perpetual. It’s unrealistic to expect a relationship to heal childhood wounds or fulfill all our existential needs.

Instead, focus on building a strong foundation by being good friends, honoring each other’s dreams, trusting each other, managing conflict constructively, and repairing when hurt. You deserve a relationship that embodies these qualities.

What are these expectations mean? Relationship expectations are what we desire and hope for in a relationship, like emotional support and understanding. It's important to distinguish between standards, which are non-negotiable principles, and expectations, which are specific behaviors or outcomes we hope for. For example, expecting our partner to know our feelings without us communicating them.

Our relationship expectations are influenced by media, like romantic films and social media, and our personal experiences, such as past relationships and family dynamics. These factors shape the way we envision love and communication in our own relationships.

Having unrealistic expectations in relationships can lead to disappointment and conflict. For instance, expecting your partner to be perfect, make you completely happy, or read your mind without communication is unfair and unrealistic. It’s important to have realistic expectations to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

Having unrealistic expectations in relationships can lead to disappointment and conflict. For example, expecting your partner to be perfect, make you completely happy, or read your mind without communication is not realistic or fair to both parties. It’s important to have realistic expectations to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

How it effect on life? If we don't manage unrealistic expectations, it can cause problems in relationships like constant arguing and feeling unappreciated. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; it just won't work.

Let's talk about the negative impact of unrealistic expectations. When we set our expectations too high, it can lead to disappointment, stress, and dissatisfaction. It's important to remember that real life is not always like what we see on social media or in movies.

a. When our hopes and dreams don't match up with what actually happens, it can make us feel down, upset, and like something is missing. This can really mess with our mental well-being. It's important to find a balance and be realistic with our expectations to avoid emotional distress and dissatisfaction.

b. Unrealistic expectations can make us feel like we’re not good enough. Constantly comparing ourselves to unrealistic ideals can damage our self-esteem and make us feel unworthy. We are unique and valuable, in our own ways. 

c. When we expect perfection in our relationships, it can cause tension and conflicts. Unrealistic expectations put pressure on our loved ones, leading to disappointment and strain. It’s important to have realistic expectations and communicate openly to maintain healthy relationships.

d. Unrealistic expectations can lead to fear of failure and avoidance of challenges. The pressure to meet impossible standards can also cause stress and burnout, affecting our overall well-being. It's Important to set realistic goals and take care of ourselves to avoid these negative consequences.

What girls want in LOVE? 

Society, how it begins. Where the life of girl start changing ideas for their love life through social conflict. Let’s clear the common conflicts and barriers in their lives. In today's media landscape, there is a lot of focus on negative portrayals of love and relationships. This can lead some men to believe that women prioritize materialistic desires over genuine connections. 

However, it's important to remember that not all women aspire to be like what they see on TV or online. There are still women who believe in real love and hold onto their morals and values. Good women do exist.

Not all women want to be the sidepiece. Some prioritize being the only one and value genuine connections. It’s unfair to assume that every woman is after money or labels. Here are some hints what actually ladies are looking for in love life.

a) Women want to feel confident in their man and relationship. Trust and honesty are key. They don’t want to worry about checking messages when we know our man is loyal. We want to proudly say, “I have a good man.”

b) Women want affection, attention, and appreciation. We want to feel desired and loved physically. But it's not just about that, they also want you to pay attention and appreciate them for their roles in your life. A simple "thank you" or thoughtful actions go a long way.

c) Girls want passion, romance, and effort. It’s the difference between lukewarm and hot. It’s the “I miss you” texts and thoughtful surprises. Do you think that’s huge demand from ladies? Come on men! It’s about consistency, thoughtfulness, and making an effort.

d) Ladies just want intimacy and a spiritual connection. It’s about knowing that God’s love is woven into the relationship. It’s those quiet moments of talking and holding each other. They want to feel secure, emotionally and physically, knowing you’ll protect their hearts and keep them safe.

Women desire love and a deep connection. We want to feel chosen and valued by our partner. It's not about material things, but about genuine love and affection. Many women prioritize emotional connection over material possessions.

Influence of society and culture:

How they change expectations? 

Our expectations in relationships are influenced by societal and cultural factors. Family and cultural conditioning, media, and social norms shape our beliefs and attitudes towards romantic partnerships. It's important to challenge traditional beliefs to have healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Family plays a significant role in shaping our views on relationships. We learn from our parents' examples and develop similar expectations for our own partnerships. When children witness healthy and respectful relationships between their parents, they are more likely to seek the same in their own relationships.

Different cultures have different relationship expectations. In collectivist cultures, family approval and commitment matter more, while individualistic cultures prioritize personal fulfillment in relationships.

Movies, TV shows, and social media shape our ideas about relationships (as I mentioned above). Sometimes they show unrealistic ideals and stereotypes, which can give us unrealistic expectations in our own relationships. 

Social expectations can greatly influence how we perceive and experience relationships. This article explores how societal norms, cultural pressures, and external opinions impact relationship satisfaction. By understanding these dynamics, we can navigate towards authentic and fulfilling connections.

1. Social expectations are the unwritten rules and norms that society places on individuals in relationships. These expectations cover various aspects like gender roles, communication styles, and relationship milestones. While some can be helpful, others can create pressures that impact the authenticity and satisfaction of our relationships. By understanding these dynamics, we can navigate them better.

2. Social expectations can strain authenticity in relationships as partners navigate the balance between societal norms and their own desires. This can compromise genuine connection and fulfillment.

3. Different cultures have their own expectations and values that influence relationships. It’s important for partners to navigate these cultural nuances and find a balance between their cultural backgrounds and personal aspirations. (Collectivistic and individualistic culture, mentioned above) 

4. Society often has expectations about when certain relationship milestones should be reached. However, following predefined timelines can sometimes lead to rushed decisions, as marriage, that don’t align with partners’ true desires. It's important to prioritize what feels right for you and your partner, rather than feeling pressured to meet societal expectations.

5. Social expectations impact communication styles in relationships, as cultural norms may discourage open discussions about challenges. This can hinder effective communication and prevent addressing important matters. Balancing individuality and partnership is also complex, as societal norms can blur the lines between personal growth and nurturing a collaborative relationship. Finding a harmonious balance between personal development and commitment is a delicate art.

6. External opinions hold significant sway over relationships, causing partners to make decisions based on them, potentially sacrificing their true feelings. To overcome this, open and transparent communication about values, desires, and boundaries is crucial. By aligning the relationship with individual aspirations, authenticity can flourish.

7. To cultivate relationship satisfaction, partners must redefine societal norms and expectations together. They can create their own milestones, timelines, and communication patterns that reflect their values and understanding. By building an authentic relationship based on shared objectives, they can find fulfillment beyond societal pressures.

A. Publication of a research in 2021, on the topic Expectation of romantic relationships in society by professor john Draeger validate the point that, societal expectations surrounding romantic love, including long-lasting commitment and monogamy. While society emphasizes these expectations, it’s important to question if they are necessary for romantic love. Neil Delaney’s ideas about romantic love and loving commitment are used in this research to understand the role of expectations in relationships.

Delay in proposals

Our present time, atmosphere, inner and outer cultures, and those unrealistic expectations (mentioned above) cause multiple reasons in delaying proposals/late marriages which lead to stress, anxiety, and physical changes in girls. What actually girls think about marriage. 

Nowadays, marriage proposals have become more extravagant and public, thanks to social media and YouTube. People feel pressure to make their proposals unique and share-worthy. From flash mobs at Home Depot to drone-delivered rings, there have been some elaborate proposals in recent years. Even celebrities like Kanye West have joined in on the trend.

It seems that more and more grooms are going the extra mile to impress their partners and make their proposals memorable. The popularity of public proposals has increased, with a significant number of brides receiving public proposals. People are also quick to share their engagement news on social media, posting pictures of their rings and changing their relationship status before even telling their friends.

The pressure to have the biggest and best proposal can create unrealistic expectations and competition among friends. Not everyone wants a public proposal, and putting pressure on partners takes away from the creativity and fun of the moment. 

Late marriage and expectations

Women have a range of expectations before getting married, including emotional connection, financial stability, personal growth, and independence. By recognizing and comprehending these expectations, couples can build a solid foundation for a satisfying and supportive relationship. Remember, marriage is a lifelong commitment that requires continuous effort, communication, and understanding for both partners to flourish together.

How girls build perception for marriage? As a girl, you’ve noticed a difference in responsibilities between your maternal aunt and uncle. You’ve questioned why women seem to have more responsibilities after marriage? You’re curious about what girls expect, the challenges they face, the sacrifices they make, and the reality of marriage. These are important questions to explore and understand. These points produce conflicts in their thinking pattern and it leads to late marriage. 

1. After marriage, girls often sacrifice their own homes and adapt to their husband’s family and traditions. Many girls give up their jobs and studies due to restrictions from their in-laws. They sacrifice their personal happiness for the sake of the family.

2. Challenges: Once a girl gets married, she must adjust to her in-laws’ traditions and restrictions. She may have to give up her hobbies and interests and strive to keep her in-laws happy. If she works, she still has to handle household chores and errands. Decision-making can also be challenging, as she may be closely monitored.

3. Every girl has dreams and expectations for her married life. She hopes for a supportive husband who will work together with her, fulfill responsibilities, and keep promises. If she is career-oriented, she wants to have financial independence and save for the future. Moving to a new environment, she expects her husband to stay in touch and make her comfortable. Understanding is what she looks for in a spouse.

4. It can be tough when reality doesn’t match our expectations. Some men prefer to stay with their parents after marriage, and traditional families may expect the daughter-in-law to prioritize household responsibilities over a career. Society’s views can make it challenging for women who want to create their own separate home.

Late marriage a major social issue: The Asian side of world or Muslims practice their religion in which Islam (Muslim's religion) strongly supports marriage, considering it a religious duty, moral safeguard, and social necessity. Their Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of marriage, stating that those who avoid it are not following his tradition. Marriage establishes families, allows for intimacy within the bounds of halal (legal bond), and holds significance in attaining salvation and generosity.

Marriage is seen as important, but determining the right age for marriage can be a challenge. Religious texts and laws set minimum ages, like in India where it’s 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Late marriage, whether intentional or forced by social issues like poverty or dowry, is a serious concern. 

Forced late marriage is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by society. One of the main causes is dowry, which leads to extravagant expenses and can even result in deaths. This social evil has prevented poor parents from getting their daughters married.

Excessive expenses in weddings contribute to late marriages. In Kashmir, there’s a disturbing trend of serving extravagant dishes and giving large sums of money to guests. Poor families struggle to meet these expectations, and financially well-off families should consider helping those in need.

It's alarming to see many unmarried girls in their 30s and 35s. It’s not just the responsibility of rich families, but also the local community and social organizations to address this issue. Everyone higher, should play a role in a more effective and rational way. Middle-class families should contribute too. Late marriages have negative consequences like sex slavery and suicides. As humans, we will be held accountable for our responsibilities. 

Causes and consequences of late marriage 

People these days are not rushing into marriage. The age of marriage has increased globally. In the past, women married around 20 and men around 26, but now it's between 28 and 32. Reasons for late marriage vary, like cohabitation in western nations and not wanting the label of marriage. Some people are happy with late marriage as it brings more responsibilities and a carefree lifestyle.

a) The current generation is delaying marriage because they want to be financially stable before committing. Young people dream of owning homes, cars, and businesses, but these things require hard work and time. By focusing on their careers first, they hope to achieve financial stability by around age 28 or 30.

b) Less interest: It’s like if you’re already getting the benefits without the commitment, why to bother relationships and marriages, right? Living together without marriage is common in western countries, and it’s seen as more exciting and flexible. So some people just aren’t interested in getting married.

c) Commitment fear can feel like a big responsibility, like being stuck in a long-term job with no way out. Some people see it as losing their freedom and having to meet their partner’s every need. So they prefer to wait until they feel ready to commit, which can lead to late marriage.

d) Women empowerment is about giving women equal rights and opportunities. In the past, men wanted a traditional housewife they could control, while women wanted independence. These different views can lead to delayed marriages, as men may want a submissive partner while women prioritize their freedom.

e) Some families still believe in marrying their older children first. But if the older ones are focused on achieving their dreams, parents should let the younger ones marry first to avoid problems in their married life. 

Now let’s talk about the pros and cons of marriage. 

Self-growth: When people get married, they have a lot of responsibilities with their spouse and in-laws. This can make it hard for them to focus on their personal growth. Delaying marriage gives people the opportunity to focus on themselves, their careers, and personal development. So, late marriage can be really cool for self-growth. 

Maturity: When people get married at a young age, they may have unrealistic expectations and struggle to handle relationship problems. But delaying marriage gives people time to mature and develop better mental health. They become more understanding, patient, knowledgeable, and calm under pressure, which are important for a happy marriage.

Education: Delaying marriage allows people to finish their education and focus on their career. It gives them time to become financially stable and independent, which is important in today's world.

On the other hand there are few health issues and disadvantages of late marriage. 

Delay in birth: The purpose of marriage is to contribute to society by increasing the population. Late marriage can affect this because women’s fertility decreases with age. Nowadays, women are focused on their careers, which is great, but it can lead to a decline in the birth rate as couples struggle to conceive. That’s why women today have fewer babies compared to previous generations.

Abnormality in children: The food we eat nowadays is a mix of natural and artificial ingredients, and it can start affecting our health after the age of thirty. Women who have children in their late thirties may face some risks during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and birth defects. There’s also a higher chance of the child having abnormalities like Down syndrome and neural tube defects.

Generation gap: When there’s a generation gap due to delayed marriage, it can create differences in thoughts, personalities, and mentality between parents and children. This can lead to disagreements and a lack of understanding in beliefs, cultures, and communication. Plus, older parents may have less time to spend with their children, which can affect the development of a friendly parent-child relationship.

Physical, Emotional and mental problems:

Perspective of clinical psychologist

Late marriages for women can sometimes be seen as a social stigma. There are a few factors that contribute to this phenomenon. One reason is the financial burden of arranging a wedding, as traditional weddings can be quite expensive.

As a result, some parents choose to delay their daughters' weddings until they have enough savings. Another reason is that there may be fewer options for eligible partners, as parents often have specific preferences regarding the social and economic status of potential suitors for their daughters.

Late marriages for women can have serious consequences. There may be social pressure, fertility concerns, and negative effects on mental health. Additionally, economic challenges can arise if a woman waits to get married, making it harder to support herself financially. These factors can worsen the psychological impact of late marriages.

Late marriages for women can sometimes be seen as a social stigma. There may be challenges to mental health and economic difficulties as well. It’s important for society to understand that women have the right to choose their life partner, regardless of age. Women should have the freedom to make their own decisions.

When it comes to big life milestones like graduating, getting married, and having kids, it's natural to feel some anxiety. These major changes can bring about different types of marriage anxiety. It's important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dealing with this anxiety.

Marriage anxiety is a psychological state that can be caused by the stress and pressure of being in a committed relationship. It can occur before or after marriage and is triggered by various factors like finances, communication, conflict, and more. Understanding the different types of marriage anxiety is crucial for addressing them and preserving your mental health and relationship.

1. Pre-wedding jitters, also known as engagement anxiety, are totally normal. But when they become overwhelming and start affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help.

2. After the wedding, some people experience post-wedding blues, which is like a letdown after all the excitement. It’s normal to feel sad and overwhelmed during this time, especially if there were high expectations or unresolved family issues.

3. Infidelity anxiety is a major concern in marriages. Research shows that a significant number of married individuals cheat, which can trigger anxiety in their partners. Past experiences, insecurity, and trust issues can also contribute to infidelity anxiety.

4. Commitment anxiety can be a big concern in relationships. It can stem from past experiences or fear of losing oneself in the relationship. This anxiety may lead to avoiding marriage, sabotaging the relationship, or struggling with intimacy. 

Physical consequences: The impact of the hormone DHEA is highest between 20 and 30 years old, but it decreases as we get older. Nowadays, people are becoming more modern and independent in their thinking. Young men and women are taking charge of their own decisions, such as choosing their career paths and life partners.

People these days are more independent and modern in their thinking. Young men and women are making their own decisions about careers and partners. They want to be financially stable, have successful careers, and find the right partner, so they’re getting married later. 

If couples marry after their sexual peak, it can affect their sex lives and create intimacy issues. If not addressed, it can lead to loneliness, insecurity, and anger, potentially leading to infidelity, separation, or divorce. Late marriages also have a higher risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, and genetic abnormalities (mentioned above). 

Even if there are no biological issues, adjusting to late parenthood can be challenging if there are problems with family bonding and generation gaps. There are many consequences to consider when it comes to getting married later in life, and it's important to take responsibility for the choices we make.

Psychological issues: Getting married later in life can have serious emotional consequences. It can lead to increased stress and anxiety due to societal and family expectations. Feeling inadequate and isolated can take a toll on mental health. It can also result in feelings of rejection and loneliness when friends and peers are getting married and starting families. 

This social isolation can negatively impact emotional well-being. Additionally, late marriage can affect feelings of self-worth and pride, as marriage is often seen as a symbol of adulthood and happiness. Doubting one's value and attractiveness can lead to lowered self-esteem and a negative outlook.

A young girl’s perspective from clinical psychologist:  According to Saldin Kimangale, a clinical psychologist explains why some women constantly have marriage on their minds whenever they enter into a relationship. There are different myths and facts where people think girls keenly wants to get married, they are desperate to birth child or may be for personal life improvement. 

Psychologists say, girls are more keener in present time because it’s becoming hard to find boys who are ready for marriage. Men are quite selective for girls, not only appearances but financially contribution of their partners. Few of them want to become stronger and build their life for the reason they run relationships without strong strings. 

Social Security is demand of a girl. When she finds herself in a strong relationship, her willingness is to walk under aisle without slipping the chance and spark. They wants to rush for marriage, these causes affect them in delayed marriage. Not only this, society thinks security is in marriage. It gives them courage to be independent, secure, loved, and spend life without complexes. 

Being a clinical psychologist and a girl I can relate to this situation. I personally, get number of questions for getting late, for marriage. Society, family, peers and even strangers are putting pressure on me without my consent. This is general public reaction, where people taunt young girls, aunts of family embarrass in each function, they provide advices to reach proposals. I have seen ladies, who receive negative energy and stressors over late proposals. Is that really an issue? 

There are number of cases where young girls want to marry, but traumatic relationship effected their lives and how society is ruining their mental health. 

“The most Inefficient and self-harming thing a person can do is go out looking for love”

Coping mechanism/strategies

To challenge traditional relationship beliefs, it’s important to question the assumptions we’ve been taught about what makes a normal or successful partnership. By critically examining these assumptions, we can separate societal norms from our own needs and desires in relationships.

In relationships, it’s important to encourage individuality and allow partners to express their needs and desires openly. Effective communication helps create understanding and negotiation, leading to a dynamic that reflects both individuals’ unique preferences and goals.

Take a moment to think about what you expect from a relationship. Are your expectations realistic or influenced by societal pressures? Being self-aware allows you to question and change those expectations. 

Instead of aiming for perfection, set realistic goals and break them down into smaller steps. Be kind to yourself when things don't go as planned, and embrace your imperfections. Remember that setbacks are normal, and practicing self-compassion can relieve pressure.

Getting support from counselors or therapists in Calgary can be really helpful. They provide a safe space to explore and challenge unrealistic expectations. Therapists offer guidance, tools, and coping strategies to navigate this journey effectively. Counseling is crucial for coping with and overcoming unrealistic expectations.

CBT is a popular therapy in Calgary that helps people recognize and change distorted thinking tied to unrealistic expectations. By replacing negative thoughts with positive and realistic ones, CBT promotes healthier perspectives. 

Mindfulness practices help you become aware of the present moment and show self-compassion. They help you detach from unrealistic expectations and cultivate acceptance and balance. It's a great way to find peace. 

Having conversations with a licensed therapist about your stresses, anxieties, and worries can be really helpful. Making lifestyle changes like exercising, eating healthy, and managing stress can also reduce anxiety symptoms. 


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