Relationships: Five Stories, Different Consequences
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| Source: Pinterest |
I have been a good observer since I was little. Whether it was observing the little things in life or watching people as they moved through the chaos and rush of everyday life.
So, here are five stories of people who are in something we call a relationship. Every relationship is different, and so are its consequences. Let’s see.
Story 1
Part A:
These are couples who share the same dreams and build things together. They constantly motivate and encourage each other and try to manage life by supporting one another.
Of course, they have misunderstandings sometimes. But the best thing about them is that they try to figure things out together instead of letting those misunderstandings create distance between them.
Part B:
These are also couples who share the same dreams, but they don't build things together.
Instead, they constantly compete with each other. They compare their achievements, try to prove who is doing better, and slowly turn their relationship into a competition.
And sometimes, that competition makes the relationship toxic.
Story 2
Part A:
These are couples who don't share the same dreams, but they always cheer each other on.
They learn from each other about their respective fields, respect each other's ambitions, and genuinely motivate one another to grow.
They may have completely different goals, but they don't see those differences as a threat.
Part B:
These are couples who don't share the same dreams and constantly try to prove that their field, career, or way of thinking is better than the other's.
They keep trying to change each other and force each other to do what they believe is right.
Eventually, the relationship starts feeling suffocating.
There is little trust because they don't spend most of their time together, and instead of understanding each other's worlds, they keep judging them.
Story 3
Part A:
A man has big dreams, and a woman tries to become a part of his world. She starts considering his dreams her own and sacrifices some of her dreams without complaining or arguing.
She supports him wholeheartedly. She makes his lunch before he goes to work, takes care of him, stands beside him, and considers being a part of his journey her own dream.
She doesn't see her sacrifices as sacrifices because she has genuinely chosen that life.
Part B:
A man has big dreams, and a woman tries to fit into his world, but she never truly considers his dreams her own.
She is trying to fit in because she wants to save the relationship. But deep down, she is unhappy.
She keeps reminding him that she gave up her own dreams because of him. Her sacrifices slowly turn into resentment, and the relationship becomes a constant reminder of everything she believes she lost.
The same sacrifice can have completely different meanings depending on where it comes from.
Story 4
Part A:
A woman has big dreams, and a man tries to become a part of her world. He considers her dreams his own and supports her without constantly complaining or worrying about what society will say.
Yes, this may still be uncommon in many parts of our society, but it happens.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with a woman being the one who works while a man stays at home, if that is what works for them. Both deserve respect if they are happy, comfortable, and contributing to the relationship in their own ways.
A relationship doesn't have to follow society's definition of what a man or a woman should do. Sometimes, two people simply create their own definition of a happy life.
Part B:
A woman has big dreams, and a man depends on her financially.
But instead of supporting her or building a life with her, he uses her money irresponsibly, takes advantage of her, and contributes very little to her happiness.
There is a difference between supporting your partner's success and exploiting it.
Story 5
Part A:
Two people have never met each other before. They enter an arranged marriage, slowly get to know each other, learn to manage life together, and eventually fall in love.
Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn't.
Part B:
Two people have known each other for years. They choose a love marriage because they believe they know each other well.
And yet, they end up cheating on each other.
Because knowing someone for years doesn't guarantee that they will remain the same person forever.
People change.
Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn't.
Final
I know you may have seen similar stories around you. Some of you may even recognise your own relationship in one of these stories. And if you don't, then maybe you are the special one, my friend. Because yes, some stories are completely different.
And perhaps that's the point. Relationship is simply a word society has given to a bond between two people. Some people turn it into love. Some call it simply a relationship. Some stay together because they are comfortable. Some stay because they are afraid of being alone.
Some grow together. Some grow apart. Some sacrifice for each other. Some sacrifice themselves and later blame each other for it.
Some choose each other every day. And some eventually stop choosing each other.
But you know what the most important relationship you can have is?
The relationship you have with yourself.
If you never learn to feel complete within yourself, you may spend your entire life looking for that completeness in someone else.
And yes, being happy on your own is important. But I also believe that most of us, at some point in our lives, want someone we can call our person. Someone we can love and be loved by. And perhaps love isn't about finding someone who is exactly like you. It isn't necessarily about having the same dreams, the same career, the same interests, or even the same personality.
Maybe love is when someone’s presence makes you feel more alive. When you can laugh freely around them, when they become a reason for your smile, and when they become your best friend before you ever call them your partner.
When you can comfortably share your stories with them: your dreams, your fears, your past, your present, and the future you imagine. When you can talk to them about anything without constantly wondering whether they will judge you.
When you feel safe enough to be completely yourself.
When life doesn't necessarily become perfect, but somehow becomes a little easier to live.
When you don't feel trapped.
You feel free.
That's love. That's a relationship.
That's a relationship very few people are lucky enough to find. Because happiness over perfectionism matters the most.
And if you have it respect it, keep it.
