If you secretly crave more freedom in love, these 8 thoughts will feel familiar

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | April 16, 2025, 8:27 am

Craving more freedom in love isn’t something we openly talk about. Yet, the longing is there, simmering under the surface.

Seeking more freedom doesn’t mean you don’t value your relationship. It just hints at wanting space to grow and evolve as an individual.

If you’re nodding in agreement, these eight thoughts will resonate with you.

Here’s a sneak peek into what it means to crave more freedom in love… and why it’s perfectly okay.

1) The need for personal space

Craving more freedom in love often begins with a simple longing for personal space.

It’s a common misconception that wanting more personal space indicates a lack of love or interest. That’s not the case.

In reality, personal space is a necessity for maintaining one’s individuality and sanity. It lets you breathe, think, and pursue your passions without being constantly connected to your partner.

This need for personal space doesn’t mean you’re selfish or unloving. It’s simply a reflection of your desire for a balanced relationship where both individuals can flourish independently, as well as together.

And if you’re feeling this way, remember – it’s perfectly normal. Wanting space doesn’t mean wanting distance, it means seeking balance.

2) The yearning for self-discovery

There was a time when I found myself feeling restive in my relationship. I loved my partner, but I felt like something was missing.

I realized that it wasn’t my relationship that was the issue – it was me. I had lost sight of who I was as an individual. I had become so entwined with my partner that I had forgotten to nurture my own growth.

This is a feeling that’s all too familiar if you’re craving more freedom in love. It’s not about wanting to escape your partner, but rather, wanting to rediscover yourself.

It’s about yearning for the space to learn new things, to explore your interests, and to simply be you. It’s about understanding that while love is a beautiful part of life, it’s also important to maintain your individuality.

So if you’re feeling this pull towards self-discovery, don’t suppress it. Instead, embrace it as a sign that you’re ready to grow – both as an individual and within your relationship.

3) The desire for independent decision-making

In a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, researchers found that people who perceived they had more autonomy in their relationships reported higher relationship satisfaction and well-being.

This speaks volumes about the importance of independent decision-making in relationships.

When you crave more freedom in love, you’re essentially seeking the liberty to make your own choices, to voice your opinions, and to live your life on your own terms without constantly seeking approval or validation from your partner.

It’s about preserving your personal autonomy while sharing a life with someone else. It’s about being two complete individuals who choose to be together, rather than two halves trying to make a whole.

This doesn’t undermine the bond between partners; on the contrary, it strengthens it. It creates a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than dependence.

4) The quest for unforced togetherness

Craving freedom in love is often accompanied by a desire for togetherness that feels unforced, natural, and spontaneous.

You might desire a relationship where spending time together isn’t just about fulfilling an obligation but is something both of you genuinely look forward to.

You yearn for a love where you don’t have to compromise your individuality or pretend to be someone you’re not. Instead, you want to be with someone who values and respects your independence as much as you do theirs.

This kind of togetherness, where both partners retain their unique identities while being in a relationship, fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and admiration. It creates a bond that is both strong and flexible, able to weather the ebbs and flows of life.

5) The longing for a love that liberates

If you’re secretly craving more freedom in love, you likely yearn for a love that liberates rather than confines.

This is a love that sets you free to be who you truly are. It doesn’t demand that you fit into a certain mold or meet unrealistic expectations. Instead, it celebrates your uniqueness and encourages your growth.

This kind of love doesn’t restrict or suffocate; it breathes life into your dreams and aspirations. It respects your individuality and supports your personal journey.

The longing for such a love can feel overwhelming at times. Yet, it’s this very longing that leads us to the kind of relationships that are fulfilling and meaningful – ones where we are loved for our authentic selves.

6) The fear of losing oneself

I remember a moment when I looked in the mirror and barely recognized the person staring back at me. I had given so much of myself to my relationship that I felt like a shadow of my former self.

This fear of losing oneself is a common thread among those who crave more freedom in love. It’s not about wanting to be single or wishing for less commitment. Rather, it’s a fear of disappearing within the relationship, of losing your individuality and becoming merely an extension of your partner.

It’s about wanting to hold onto your identity while being in love. To continue growing, evolving, and becoming the best version of yourself. Because at the end of the day, you want to be loved for who you are – not for who someone else wants you to be.

7) The pull towards personal growth

When you crave more freedom in love, you often feel a strong pull towards personal growth.

Being in a relationship shouldn’t mean putting your personal development on hold. On the contrary, it should serve as a platform for both partners to grow and evolve.

You might find yourself wanting to learn new skills, embark on new adventures, or simply spend time nurturing your mind and soul.

This drive for personal growth isn’t just about self-improvement. It’s also about becoming a better partner. Because when you’re at your best, you can contribute more to the relationship, creating a dynamic that’s fulfilling for both parties.

8) The importance of communication

If there’s one thing to understand when you’re craving more freedom in love, it’s the paramount importance of communication.

Your desires, needs, and feelings are valid. And sharing them with your partner is essential for the health and growth of your relationship.

Expressing your need for freedom doesn’t mean you’re demanding an out from the relationship. It means you’re inviting your loved one to understand a deeper part of you, to foster a more authentic and transparent connection.

So speak your truth. Your love should be a safe space for honesty, understanding, and mutual respect. Because in a relationship, freedom isn’t about being less together – it’s about being more of yourself.

Final thoughts: It’s about balance

The longing for freedom in love is a delicate dance between autonomy and connection.

A study from the Journal of Marriage and Family shows that maintaining individuality while being in a committed relationship contributes to higher relationship satisfaction.

Craving freedom in love isn’t about seeking distance, but rather, it’s about finding balance. It’s about the ability to grow as an individual while growing together as a couple.

It’s about respecting each other’s space, nurturing personal growth, and encouraging each other to be the best versions of ourselves.

Know that your desire for freedom in love is both valid and essential. It doesn’t signify a lack of commitment but rather, a commitment towards a healthier, more balanced relationship.

At the end of the day, love should not confine us; it should liberate us. Love should not make us feel less; it should empower us to be more.