There is no denying the fact that relationships are an important and inevitable part of life. Our familial and social relationships have a profound impact on how we live, how we learn from our mistakes, and even the decisions we make in life.
Yet more often than not, these same relationships can cause us to lose sight of who we are as individuals—what makes us unique? How can you make sure that throughout any relationship, regardless if it’s a personal or professional relationship, one thing is always true? Never lose yourself!
In this blog post, I’ll discuss why it’s essential to hold onto your identity while staying connected with those around you, as well as give some practical tips for maintaining your own sense of self throughout all of life’s many adventures.
How Experiencing the Unknown Shapes Our Identity and Perception
Relationships are an inevitable part of life. Whether personal or professional, every relationship has the potential to shape who we are as individuals. It is said that we are the sum of the people we surround ourselves with, and this statement couldn’t be truer regarding relationships.
When we begin a new personal relationship, whether romantic or platonic, we begin to learn more about the other person. We start to learn about their preferences and dislikes, hobbies and interests, and habits and routines.
As a result, we often find ourselves trying new things or experiencing things we may not have otherwise. These experiences can significantly impact who we are as individuals and shape how we see the world around us.
For example, let’s say you start dating someone who loves to hike. You’ve never been much of a hiker, but you try it because your new partner is passionate about it.
As you start to spend more time hiking, you begin to develop a love for it too. You may even prioritize hiking as a regular activity in your life. This new hobby may become a defining part of your identity and even shape your future relationships or career choices.
Make the Most of Your Work Relationships
Similarly, professional relationships can significantly impact who we are as individuals. Whether it’s a coworker or a boss, how we interact with others in the workplace can shape how we see ourselves and our careers.
If you work for a boss who is a strong leader and encourages you to take on more responsibility, you may begin to develop your leadership style. On the other hand, if you have a coworker who is constantly negative and complains, you may adopt a more negative attitude toward life and work.
Reclaim Your Sense of Self in Relationships
It’s important to note that not all relationships will positively impact us. Some relationships can chip away at who we are and make us feel like we are losing ourselves.
In these situations, taking a step back and evaluating what’s going on is crucial. If a relationship is causing you to compromise your values or change who you are, it may be time to re-evaluate whether that relationship is healthy.
To maintain a healthy sense of self in relationships, it’s essential to have a strong sense of self-awareness. Knowing who you are and what you stand for can help you navigate the ups and downs of personal and professional relationships. It’s also important to set boundaries and communicate your needs with others. If you feel like a relationship is starting to harm you, don’t be afraid to speak up and address the issue.
If you find yourself struggling and have the sickening feeling of losing yourself, here are a few tips to help you navigate your way through it:
Spend Time Alone
If you feel like you’ve lost yourself in a relationship, spending some time alone to reconnect with yourself can be helpful. This can mean taking a break from the relationship or simply carving out some alone time in your schedule.
Use this time to reflect on your values, interests, and goals. Engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel like yourself again. Being alone may sound scary, but it’s the one place to be just you.
Seek Support
rediscovering who you are after losing yourself in a relationship can be challenging, and seeking approval from others is okay. Contact friends or family members who can provide emotional support and encouragement.
Consider working with a therapist or counselor who can help you process your emotions and develop a plan for moving forward.
Try New Things
When you feel like you’ve lost yourself in a relationship, trying new things that align with your interests and values can be helpful. This can help you rediscover parts of yourself that the relationship may have overshadowed.
Take a leap and explore something new—be it enrolling in an exciting course, gathering with like minded individuals at the club or discovering hidden passions through hobbies. In doing so you may find yourself reconnected to your true self again. Embrace this voyage of personal discovery with patience and compassion for yourself!
Reclaim Your Relationship Power
Our relationships are so much more than just casual encounters- they can be powerful forces of transformation and growth. Let’s use our collective wisdom to recognize when a relationship is no longer serving us and instead, focus on understanding ourselves for the purpose of creating stronger connections with others that help bring out the best in each individual involved.
Self-awareness, clear boundaries, and effective communication all play an important role as we strive towards finding healthy balance within our various interactions.
Last modified: April 3, 2023
