By Chelsea Tirrell
I can’t count the number of times my friends in relationships have said, “Don’t get a boyfriend, it’s not worth it.” Between arguments, jealousy and overreacting, the relationship tears at the seams. And yet, they stick around.
I understand the concept of love, I really do. It keeps you coming back time and again even when you know you shouldn’t. It drives you crazy and makes you sane at the same time. It leaves you feeling a multitude of emotions, never guaranteeing what you’ll end up with.
Perhaps that’s why it’s impossible to decide whether relationships are worth it. Sure, they can lead you to a lifetime of eternal bliss, but they can also break you down beyond your comprehension.
The desire to be with your beau as frequently as you can does have some negative side effects. When you’re not with them, you’re wondering what they’re doing. It’s not that you are trying to be jealous, you just can’t help it. Wanting your partner beside you shows how much they mean to you. It gives reassurance to both parties but only if they’re able to see it.
Some are better with giving their significant other more freedoms than others, but once insecurities get involved, things can get messy. You assume the worst, and land back at square one – asking, “Where does a relationship without trust lies?”
Commitment becomes a problem when the individuals involved have schedules that are too jam-packed. Sometimes there isn’t enough time in the day to see one another. Making time becomes even more of an inconvenience as you’re exhausted come time the end of the day. Again, this can be turned around. Planning times that work for the both of you and actually looking forward to it are positive signs that the relationship is working, or worth working for.
The element of wondering what else is out there can be strenuous on a relationship. When you’re tied down, you know where your loyalty stands. But it’s the wandering thoughts that bring about future problems and what ultimately leaves you asking yourself, “Why am I in a relationship?”
When there’s no one else you’d rather be with and thoughts of being with other people seldom cross your mind, then you’re in a good place and that burden doesn’t come into play. It goes without saying that every relationship has its burdens, but they should never outnumber the benefits. If they do, it’s important to reevaluate your relationship.
At the end of the day, we all just want to love and be loved. If you’ve found someone who makes every day better just being there, don’t let obstructions of happiness interfere, because you have truly been blessed. As long as you’re not hurting yourself, keep on loving.