The Road Less Traveled — In Relationships

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining individuality and mutual growth in successful relationships, suggesting that personal development is crucial and that partners should encourage each other's evolution.

Abstract

The article "The Road Less Traveled — In Relationships" discusses the concept of successful partnerships being based on the independence and individual growth of both partners. It highlights that relationships often lead to a merging of identities, which can stifle personal development. The ideal scenario is when both partners can grow together while still maintaining their separate identities, embracing change, and being committed to self-improvement. The article stresses the necessity of choosing a partner who is adaptable and equally dedicated to personal growth. It cites the work of M. Scott Peck, who asserts that true love respects individuality and that spiritual growth is a solitary journey. The article also presents a crossroads for readers: to either stay with a partner who may not share a commitment to self-development or to part ways. It concludes with a reminder that the choice of partner is deeply personal and will

Successful Partnerships Exist Between 2 Independent People

Growing within relationships and finding a partner that gives you the space to do so is not usually how relationships go. Often, we end up in relationships, and our identities merge into one. Furthermore, usually, one person in the relationship will outgrow the other. In special cases, both partners will grow together, but separately, and accept the evolved human beings each person becomes.

Find Your Twin

It is paramount to be extremely picky about your partner if you are committed to personal development. Because the person you are today will not be the person you will be months, years, or decades from now. Those who commit themselves to personal development constantly grow, change and evolve (for the better), so it helps to find a partner who is open-minded, adaptable, friendly towards change, and committed to self-development. When you’re with someone like-minded, it’s easier to do life with them and succeed together — while still maintaining your separate identities.

“True acceptance of their own and each other’s individuality and separateness is the only foundation upon which a mature [partnership] can be based and real love can grow.

A good [partnership] can only exist between two strong and independent people. It is the separateness of the partners that enriches the union. Great [relationships] cannot be constructed by individuals who are terrified by their own aloneness.

Genuine love not only respects the individuality of the other but actually seeks to cultivate it even at the risk of separation or loss.

The ultimate goal of life remains the spiritual growth of the individual. The solitary journey to peaks that can only be climbed alone.” — M. Scott Peck

If You’re Not With Your Twin…

If the person you are with now is not committed to self-development and not open to the person you are becoming, you will have to make a decision:

Decision #1: Stay with the person

Decision #2: Part ways.

This is a decision only you can make.

Since each individual has a unique situation, there should not be a right or wrong choice in the eyes of others, but there is a right or wrong choice for you. You are the one who has to live with your decisions, so the choice you make will affect you in the long run.

Think long, hard, and continually about the person you choose to partner up with. It will affect your life for better or worse.