7 signs your relationship has made you a better person in life
Relationships play a huge role in shaping who we are. They push us, they challenge us, and sometimes, they even change us for the better.
But how can you tell if your relationship is actually making you a better person? Well, it’s not always as clear as day, but there are some sneaky little signs that might give you a clue.
From finding new patience to feeling more confident in yourself, here are seven little hints that your relationship might just be bringing out the best in you.
Let’s dive in.
1) You become more patient
Patience is indeed a virtue, especially in relationships.
Perhaps you’ve noticed yourself becoming more patient since entering your relationship. Taking things slower, giving your partner the space they need—it’s a sign of growth.
This change likely stems from your relationship’s influence. Your partner may unknowingly be teaching you the value of patience.
This newfound patience can impact various aspects of your life beyond your relationship. Whether at work, with friends, or waiting for a bus, it enriches your life, making it less stressful.
2) You’ve started embracing your flaws
It might seem contradictory, but relationships aren’t just about striving for perfection; they’re also about embracing imperfection.
In the journey of personal growth, it’s not only about enhancing strengths but also accepting weaknesses. Your partner may be the first to reassure you that flaws are part of what makes you lovable.
This acceptance can shift how you see yourself. Viewing yourself through the lens of unconditional love, you become more comfortable with imperfections.
Instead of chasing an impossible ideal, you start to embrace your true self—flaws included. Recognizing that imperfection is universal becomes liberating.
If you’re feeling more at ease with your imperfections since being in a relationship, it’s a sign of growth—a testament to love’s power to make us better.
3) You’ve learned to maintain your individuality
One of the keys to a healthy relationship, as I’ve discussed in my book, is maintaining your individuality.
In a relationship, it’s easy to lose yourself, to become so engrossed in the “we” that you forget about the “I”. However, a sign of personal growth is when you manage to keep your individuality intact while still being a part of a couple.
Your relationship should not be your entire world; it should be a part of it. It’s important to have your own hobbies, interests, and friendships outside of your relationship. And if you’ve managed to do this while being in a relationship, it’s a sign that you’re growing as a person.
Learning this balance can be tricky. It’s something I delve into in my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. But once you achieve it, you’ll find that it adds a depth to your relationship and to your own personal development.
So take a moment to reflect. Have you managed to maintain your individuality in your relationship? If yes, then that’s another sign your relationship is making you a better person.
4) You’ve learned to forgive and let go
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for personal growth.
As the famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr. goes, “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.”
Disagreements and conflicts are inevitable in relationships—they’re part of sharing life with someone else. But mastering forgiveness and letting go of grudges is a clear sign of personal growth within the relationship.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. Holding onto resentment only harms your peace of mind, but forgiveness liberates you from past conflicts.
Ask yourself: Have you grown more forgiving since being in your relationship? If so, it’s another indicator of personal development. It shows emotional maturity and a deeper capacity for love—qualities of genuine personal growth.
5) You’ve become more empathetic
Understanding and sharing the feelings of another— that’s what empathy is all about, and it’s absolutely crucial in any healthy relationship.
If you’ve noticed yourself becoming more empathetic, it’s a sign that your partnership is nurturing your personal growth.
I remember when I first realized this change in myself. It was during a conversation with a friend, and I found myself truly understanding her perspective, feeling her emotions as if they were my own. It was a profound moment that made me realize how much I had grown.
Being in a relationship teaches you to see the world through another person’s eyes. You learn to understand their joys, their fears, their dreams, and their struggles.
And this ability to empathize can extend beyond your relationship, helping you connect better with everyone around you.
6) You’ve learned to communicate effectively
In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Many of us find effective communication challenging, but being in a relationship pushes us to tackle this head-on. Clear, honest, and open communication is essential for a thriving relationship.
I’ve stumbled through communication mishaps myself—misunderstandings, assumptions, and not truly listening. But my relationship has taught me its vital importance.
Here’s the thing: Effective communication means speaking your truth while truly listening to your partner. It’s about understanding, not just hearing, and expressing feelings and thoughts in ways that build trust and intimacy.
I often share insights on effective communication and other relationship topics on my Facebook page. Feel free to follow me there to stay updated with my latest articles. Tina Fey’s Love Connection is where I share my experiences and tips on love and relationships.
7) You’ve faced your fears
Let’s be honest, relationships can be scary. They push us out of our comfort zones and force us to confront our deepest fears – fear of vulnerability, fear of abandonment, fear of being truly seen.
However, if you’ve found the courage to face these fears since being in your relationship, it’s a sign that you’re growing as a person.
Being in love means allowing yourself to be vulnerable. It means sharing your true self with another person and trusting them with your heart. It’s not easy, and it’s perfectly normal to be scared.
But here’s the thing: facing our fears makes us stronger. It helps us grow and evolve into better versions of ourselves. It teaches us about our resilience and our capacity for love.
A deeper dive into personal growth
The journey of personal growth, especially within a relationship, is intricate yet fulfilling. Each relationship has the power to shape us, fostering patience, empathy, forgiveness, and preserving our individuality.
As we conclude our list of signs indicating personal growth within relationships, it’s vital to recognize that this journey varies for each person. While these 7 signs are common indicators, your path might diverge, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
In fact, this diversity enriches relationships, prompting us to confront fears, address insecurities, and learn self-love alongside love for others.
In this vein, I’d recommend a video by Justin Brown discussing the pursuit of happiness and its pitfalls. He suggests that true contentment arises from embracing life’s challenges, nurturing meaningful relationships, and staying authentic to oneself.
This video offers valuable insights that can further enhance your understanding of personal growth within relationships. So if you’re interested in exploring these concepts more deeply, do give it a watch.
As we wrap up this journey of self-discovery and personal growth within relationships, remember that every relationship you’re in is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and become a better person. It’s all part of the beautiful journey we call life.
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