In this week's episode we're answering one of YOUR questions with a combination of expert tips and personal experience. 

The Question: "I’m 22 and in my first long-term relationship with a partner I truly love. Everything is healthy and supportive, but I’ve noticed I’ve started deferring to his routines and preferences instead of my own. I miss parts of myself, like how I used to spend my free time and make plans just for me. How do I stay true to myself while still making room for my relationship?"

What We Cover in This Episode:

Losing yourself in a relationship. Why this is common in early long-term relationships and how it can happen even when the partnership is healthy and loving.

Staying true to yourself while partnered. Why maintaining your own identity, routines, and desires takes intention in a committed relationship.

People-pleasing and resentment. How deferring to a partner’s needs and preferences can slowly lead to disconnection and frustration.

Identifying what you’ve stopped prioritizing. How to recognize the hobbies, values, and personal time that have taken a backseat.

Solo needs vs relationship needs. Understanding the difference between individual fulfillment and shared intimacy in a long-term relationship.

How to communicate your needs. Practical language for talking to your partner about independence, boundaries, and personal time without blame.

Following through with boundaries. Why awareness isn’t enough and how to actually implement change in your daily life.

Rebuilding a relationship with yourself. Why solo time, self-dates, and personal routines support emotional health and relationship satisfaction.

Why this improves intimacy. How staying connected to yourself strengthens attraction, communication, and long-term relationship success.

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