Member-only story
I was talking with an ex-girlfriend last night, because I’m actually friends with some of my exes. And she was working but wanted company over the phone so the convo became something of a monologue as I discussed my myriad theories on relationships. Basically that I think the most important parts are openness, honesty and mutual support despite finding these rarely worked in practice. (In my own subjective experience) I also think it’s very important for people to be a team, mutually supporting each other in support of life goals.
And then she surprised me by saying that wasn’t important for her. I asked her what she prioritizes in a relationship and she said ‘being taken care of emotionally, having her feelings taken care of” and I was like “really? That’s not even in my top 10.” And she just laughed and said “I know” And I said that I don’t think any girl I dated would say that I took care of her feelings and she again laughed and said “I know.”
Now I’m not a monster. I try to give encouragement and respect my partner in a relationship. But I feel like love is a full contact sport, and especially if you’re being open and honest with each other, feelings are going to get hurt. Then you take care of each other after like athletes recovering from bruises and sprains and you get back to work.
