Important things I learned from past relationships

[Kätzchen]

I know that for me, especially in the last romantic attachment (and the deepest relationship, I've ever experienced ), I learned that I have incredible worth, that I'm incredibly smart --- things I have not always truly believed about myself. But I have such a better, deeper understanding of who I am, thanks to the loving relationship I shared with my last romantic partner. He was absolutely wonderful to me, taught me so much about myself, and about who we could be, together as a team. And, we were such a great pair of like-minded hearts, souls.

And that age old cliché, "If you love someone, let them go, because if it's meant to be, it will be?"

Yeah, that is such an important concept to internalize, which I have, but it's so important to let go.... to trust that the universe knows exactly what is best for you, that what you need or want or desire, will be provided for: Even if it comes wrapped differently , at another time in life.

I've learned to own my own independence, to know that I'm enough....that sometimes I'm more than enough. To be satisfied enough with who I am, yet let my own evolution play out in its own course of timing.

My contentment satisfies my inner knowing that I've truly come to terms with my sense of well being. My sense of worth improved exponentially during my last romantic relationship, and I'm so grateful for that stretch of time in personal growth.

[Amulette]

I have learned that "love" is defined differently by each of us. That the words "I love you" mean different things to each of us. There may be a generic definition of love involving attraction, inspiration and happy feelings in our hearts but what is the true picture we are trying to create? Are the strokes bold , timid, languid, flowing or angular? What shades is it colored in? How does it taste, feel, express? How does it grow, nourish, merge and sustain? What does love need to flourish in your heart and in your life?

Oft times I see couples including myself say love and mean very different things with colliding unconscious needs. I feel that if we take the time to define what love means to us then we can begin a conversation that leads to clarity. From there we can grasp the picture of love held in the heart of the person we hope to share it with. I'm not sure we need to be painting the exact same thing but I do think the pictures need to hang well next to one another: with harmony and dynamics that please us.

The other is that people's hearts are precious. Even the hearts of people who are not "for us". Life has more meaning when I behave accordingly.

[JDeere]

Boundaries are important, very important!

[Demure]

Wow some very honest comments in here and just want to hug you all *squeeze*

[anotherbutch]

I have learned one should never lose their own identity... be your own person with your own thoughts and opinions.
Never lose what makes you uniquely you!!!

[dark_crystal]

When they tell you their aspirations, goals, things they want someday: remember that this does not actually say anything at all about them as a person.

Rattling off a list of good intentions takes zero effort and zero integrity. Are any of these projects actually in progress or within the realm of possibility, based on what you observe of their day-to-day attitudes and habits?

Do they get offended or defensive when you ask this sort of question?

[Greco]

Learned that I like children...miss them.

Greco