What’s the best advice someone has ever given you about relationships?
The Best Relationship Advice: Finding Balance Between Love and Independence

In a world where relationships play a pivotal role in shaping our happiness, receiving sound advice can make all the difference. Among the countless pieces of wisdom, the one that stands out for me is this: "In a relationship, be whole on your own." At first glance, it may seem like a call to distance oneself or avoid emotional dependency, but it’s quite the opposite. It emphasizes the importance of balancing personal growth and love, a crucial ingredient for a thriving relationship.
Many people enter relationships seeking validation, comfort, or even a solution to their loneliness. This can lead to codependency, where one partner relies too heavily on the other for happiness and fulfillment. The advice to be whole on your own reminds us that a healthy relationship is built on the foundation of two individuals who are complete within themselves. It’s about bringing your best self to the partnership rather than relying on the relationship to fill personal voids.
One of the most powerful takeaways from this advice is the importance of self-love. Before you can truly love someone else, you must first learn to love yourself. When we neglect our own well-being, we often enter relationships with unrealistic expectations. We may expect our partner to constantly reassure us or to make us feel valued. This puts immense pressure on the relationship, often leading to disappointment.
By cultivating self-love, you develop confidence and emotional stability. You learn to value your own worth, and as a result, you won’t seek validation externally. Instead, your relationship becomes a space of mutual support and growth, where both partners can flourish without sacrificing their individuality.
Independence Within Togetherness
The notion of being whole on your own also highlights the importance of maintaining independence within a relationship. Contrary to the myth that two people should do everything together or always be inseparable, the healthiest relationships are those where both individuals have their own lives, passions, and interests.
It’s easy to lose sight of this in the honeymoon phase of a relationship, where you want to spend every waking moment with your partner. However, over time, this level of dependence can lead to feelings of suffocation. Maintaining independence allows you to nurture your own hobbies, friendships, and goals. When both partners prioritize their own growth, it creates a dynamic where the relationship is a space of shared joy rather than constant dependency.
Communication is Key
While it’s important to be self-sufficient and whole, this doesn’t mean ignoring your partner’s needs or avoiding communication. A healthy relationship thrives on open, honest conversations. Communicating your feelings, expectations, and concerns strengthens the bond between partners.
Often, conflicts arise when one person feels unheard or misunderstood. By being whole on your own, you’re better equipped to express yourself without fear of rejection. You’re able to articulate your needs without becoming overly dependent on your partner for emotional validation. Strong communication fosters a deeper understanding and connection, allowing the relationship to grow in a positive direction.
Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
A significant aspect of being whole in a relationship is letting go of unrealistic expectations. Many people enter relationships with idealized notions of what love should be. They expect their partner to meet every emotional need, solve their problems, or constantly make them feel special. This often leads to disappointment when the reality of everyday life sets in.
The best relationship advice I’ve received encourages a mindset shift—understanding that no one person can be your everything. Instead, relationships are about complementing each other’s strengths and supporting each other’s growth. By lowering unrealistic expectations and focusing on what truly matters, you allow your relationship to breathe and evolve naturally.
Conclusion: A Partnership of Equals
Ultimately, the best relationship advice encourages a partnership of equals. When both individuals are whole on their own, they bring their best selves to the relationship. They don’t rely on each other to fix their problems or fill emotional gaps but instead support each other’s journey.
Being whole on your own doesn’t mean you don’t need your partner—it means you’re complete within yourself, allowing for a more fulfilling, balanced, and loving relationship. Relationships should be about growth, support, and joy—never about dependency or loss of self.
By embracing this philosophy, you’re setting the foundation for a strong, lasting partnership, where both individuals can thrive together, without sacrificing their personal well-being.
About the Creator
LOVE NEST
Welcome to LOVE NEST, your ultimate destination for insightful advice, heartwarming stories, and practical tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships.learn more..



Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.