It’s time to break up with these cliches
Janina Steinmetz / Getty
Donttextthem back right away.
Love will come when you least expect it.
There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Janina Steinmetz / Getty
Once a cheater, always acheater.
When you know, youknow… the list goes on and on.
Yes, dating can be super confusing (insert: why people turn to relationship coaches).
We all fantasize about afairy-talestory where love fixes everything.
Love isnt always enough to make a relationship work.
Ever found yourself silently hoping that your love would magically fix your partners flaws or inspire them to change?
Its a common but misguided myth to believe that love alone canmake someone change.
When expectations turn into pressure, the critical energy can rapidly shift into tension, disappointment, and resentment.
Ironically, experiencing that safeness can inspire profound transformation.
But we cant force it.
Misconception 3: Breakups Are Unexpected
I was totally blindsided!
The breakup came out of nowhere, I didnt see it coming.
Heres the deal: breakups are rarely unexpected.
Research from the Gottman Institute backs this up.
I think the whole good guy versus bad guy narrative is oversimplified.
But thats not the truth.
Relationships change over time, and its normalexpected even!for the butterflies to mellow out.
The good news isyou can keep the spark alivethrough humor, effort, new experiences, and planned dates.
So, when the spark temporarily fades, dont panic.
Its all part of the journey.
Focus on taking care of the relationship and embracing its unwieldy nature.
In the process, the connection can become something even more meaningful.
Keep in Mind
Dating myths have an appeal thanks to their ability to point out simple truths.
But relationships are complex and nuanced.
Every couple is unique and dating is a dynamic dance of highs and lows.
2019;7(5):1063-1077.
