A relationship can change you for better or
worse. How can you tell if your relationship is affecting you in a negative or
positive way?
What Are Your Friends
Saying?
Are your friends dropping hints? Others
will notice things you may overlook. If your friends are telling you that
you've changed, that's an important indicator. Listen to what those around you
are saying. Friends are usually honest when they voice their opinions. It is
hard not to be defensive or sensitive when people tell us, “you've changed.”
However, if multiple people are saying this to you, it may hold some truth. You
should also examine the type of people who are saying this to you. If you have
a group of friends that are a bad influence or immature, it may just be that
you have outgrown them—which may be a good thing.
Are You Comfortable or
Complacent?
Lounging around in your robe or sweat pants
while watching a movie or hanging out may mean you feel comfortable and relaxed
when you're together. But, if you find you never wear anything but baggy
clothes, it may be a sign you're too comfortable and don't care about your
appearance. A healthy relationship is balanced. You enjoy being comfortable but
still care enough about yourself to dress attractively. Sloppy dressing and
poor hygiene can be warning signs of complacency or not caring how you look.
On the other hand, maybe your significant
other has changed the way you dress, and you are always worried about looking
nice and dressing up for them. While it's nice to have someone to get ready
for, you don't want your partner to change your personality so much that it is
no longer reflected in your clothing. The fashion experts at Reem
Clothing say that we adapt the style of whomever we spend the most time
with—whether we do it on purpose or not. Depending on who you are dating, this
could be for the better, as well as for the worst.
Are You Grumpy or Happy?
If you feel happy about your life, enjoy
starting each new day, and feel positive, you are probably in a good
relationship. It's easier to love others and your life when you feel happy. The
happiness you feel overflows to those around you.
If you feel irritable, tired, and struggle
to get through the day, it may be a sign your relationship is pulling you down.
Actions speak louder than words. If you say you are happy but walk around angry
at the world, something isn't right. It may be time to take an honest look at
your relationship.
Are You Pursuing Your Own
Interests?
If you no longer take time to pursue the
things you enjoy, it could mean you lost yourself in the other person you are
involved with. Having your own hobbies and interests apart from the
relationship is important for personal growth and will keep the relationship
healthy.
Your appearance, emotions, and attitude are
often a good indicator of how healthy your relationship with your significant
other is. Take an honest look at yourself. Is your relationship changing you
for better or worse?