“Some people leave a marriage literally, by divorcing. Others do so by leading parallel lives together.” /John M. Gottman/

Cards on the table, this is sincerely one thing I have seen happening often in a relationship, be that a marriage or otherwise. “Together but separate”; this, to me, is the definition of a sort of long drawn slow suicide. Perhaps this is also why I value so much communication, checking-in, openness and vulnerability. For me relationship has always meant believing it will be a lifelong travel. Either this or i would not have gone for a relationship. Not having a roommate to share chores with and a roof over our heads. It is the reason why I believe in (to the point of sometimes craving for) connection in a relationship. What i mean is Genuine, Authentic Connection. Connection and commitment. The ways of this connection are not the same and having the same dynamics for everyone, but it is the key, however this equilibrium is realised. It has to exist and be of a type that is fulfilling for both. Making the choice to be invested, loyal, honest and patient, over and over again. Choosing this even when the two are exhausted and stressed out. I aim at being someone who makes the other “feel” more than think and to which the behaviour of the other gives the same feeling back, someone who wants it just as much as the other “needs” it. I am someone who misses it when this is not realised and work for it, and yes I feel weird when this is not understood, it does not change me and how I behave but a part of me is unable to comprehend deviations from that. I think in relationships one must be someone who understands and more importantly, accepts. Someone who allows being loved and is open to that, craving it too. And even when the two don’t seem so get it, they try, hard.

“Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts.”
/John M. Gottman”/