How Giving Too Much Hurt My Relationships

I wish I could relate to the top one more.

I was so used to putting in countless time, effort, and care into any relationship I entered. It didn't matter how much that person gave back. If I'm in a relationship, I'm giving it my all and that's just me.

Little did I know that each unhealthy relationship I entered only set me up for more unhealthy relationships in the future. I'd think "why can't I find someone who appreciates me for who I am?" I put so much into a relationship, so why can't I find someone who puts in the same effort too?

That was until I realized this...maybe I'm a part of the problem. Maybe I don't need to go above and beyond every single day for this one person. After all, I still have to take care of myself. I still have my own mental well-being to worry about. Additionally, whoever I date clearly existed in the world before me and didn't need my help to get through it, so why would they NEED my help now?

The answer is, they don't. All healthy relationships are formed on communication, trust, and balance...and that includes meeting them halfway too. I wish I learned sooner that I don't need to overextend myself to make someone happy. I can just be me. I can still take care of myself, be who I am, and trust that whoever I date will do the same thing and meet me halfway too. ❤️