RELATIONSHIP MYTHS

Relationships within the family and outside family are subject to constant debates as being an abstract and indefinable aspect of human life; they remain very much confused and uncertain. In fact, human relationships are very much subjective. The depth, meaning, happiness etc., differ from person to person. Following the exact path of a successful relationship in one person's life may not be equally beneficial or another one. Yet there are certain commonly accepted modes of being in relationships.

There are several types of relationships that exist among human beings. Family relationships, romantic relationships, parental relationships, extramarital relationships etc., are few among them. Being in a relationship is an added responsibility and obligation as the success of any relationship is the collective result of the attitudes, behavioral patterns and personal preferences of two or more people included in the relationship. There are few relationship myths; usually people believe to be true. Let us explore few of such commonly held relationship myths.

There is a Soul Mate or True Love for Every Person

It is an obvious myth and also a mistake to believe that each and every person has a true love or soul mate. You get into a relationship with a person not because he/she is the one and only person who fits your requirements and matches your mind. The person is just one among many of similar type.

It is because you met him/her at the right time and place, you are in a relationship with the person. If you were born to a different region on earth, you might see another person matching your mind and have got into a relationship with him/her. Therefore, it is quite possible to have more than one soul mate for every person.

Best Relationship is Between People of Similar Personality

Many people hold the belief that similar personalities and mindsets attract each other and force them into relationships. But it is a myth and wrong notion. It is not the mentality or personality that attracts people. No one is similar in the world as individuality is the most significant aspect of human life.

People who go hand in hand in certain aspects may differ in other elements. For example, people who like the same food may differ in their political mentalities. Similarity is just a vague concept. If two people are ideal for all their attitudes and aspects, then the concept of individuality is meaningless.

Love is everything in relationships

It is another relationship myth that people consider love as the whole of every relationship. Relationships can start from mere attraction and cherish and flourish with love. But love is not the whole of any relationship. There are many other aspects like responsibilities, obligations, adjustments, dedication, sacrifice etc., to live in long term relationships. Temperament, tolerance, humility etc., are also important in relationships. But love essentially is the background to all such qualities.

Sexual activities foster relationships

Sex and satisfying physical needs help fostering relationships, but believing that sex is essential factor of every relationship is a wrong concept. Relationships are much more than mere physical requirements and satisfaction. The mental oneness and emotional attachment is always required in a relationship and sex is only one of the ways of attaining it.

Even without sexual activities two people can remain in long term relationships and extract the happiness and satisfaction from it. Thinking that sex is everything in a relationship may damage the intensity as both the partners may not always be prepared or interested in sexual activities.

New relationship is the best cure after a breakup

It is another relationship myth to think that the perfect cure for a breakup is getting into another relationship in no time. Experts say that one has to find time to be alone after the breakup to analyze the reasons for the breakup and also to find the ways of not repeating the mistakes in future relationships. Sometimes, the reasons for breakup would be lying underneath the person himself/ herself.

Getting into another relationship without mending the issue or changing the attitude may result in another breakup. This is why it is always advised to take time to get into another relationship soon after a breakup. Newer relationships are not at all a cure for a breakup.

By: Amusan Titilope Blessing