Companionship: A Page from Life

Everybody wants somebody. Who do you have in your corner?

Relationships influence who you are and who you become.
They can demonstrate two bonds forming into one, creating a powerful friendship. Romantic relationships help you explore a range of emotions, behaviors, and desires as you learn more about you through sharing your life with others. My recent companion taught me how to learn, to grow, to love, and to appreciate the power of self-reflection.

Learn

In order to learn a new partner, you must go into the relationship with an open mind. Everyone is diverse in personality and upbringing, which is why you date, ask questions, and really get to know someone. You get to understand what you like and what you can stand, but you also get the chance to express behaviors that you want in a long term partner and what you want out of your partnership.  An October 2012 Psychology Today article shared a few behaviors you can learn in a relationship, such as how to give all your attention to your partner, how to be demonstrative, and how to be proactive. These qualities can enhance a relationship and an individual person in positive ways.

Grow

My partner helped me grow in many ways mentally and physically. Whether I was losing weight in the gym three times a week, or watching what I eat, she pushed me to be a better person. She taught me routines such as making sure I was professional with time, clothing, and physical appearance. I helped her grow through conversation and taught her about herself as well. My personality was social and outgoing, while her personality was reserved and quiet. We were able to be silly and fun together even though we were opposite in many ways. She helped me get over my fear of flying by taking me on my first airplane ride (to Colorado!). We ate at new restaurants, and we even motivated each other with weekly goals, like dieting and personal goals. These different outings, dates, and conversations made me grow as a person in numerous areas of life, and it helped me get out of my comfort zone.

Love

Love and Companionship go hand in hand. The definition of love  by Merriam-Webster’s first entry is “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties”. When you love someone, the companionship is tested, but you find ways to become stronger and have a thriving relationship. In my past relationship we would have differences, but, at the end of the day, I would try to be understanding of her and not hesitate to be apologetic to her. No matter what was stated, I would communicate with her that I still wanted to be with her. When you want to be with someone, you work out the kinks and thrive from bumps in the road of the relationship. The process of growing from this is love.  You are accepting a person and showing that you are willing to be active and engaging, because instead of working against each other, you focus on working out the problem that is causing the miscommunication. You can find multiple ways to love someone. However, don’t look for that person to “complete you”. Look for that person to be a complement to you.

Self-Reflection

Relationships are lessons. You have to be willing to date and go out and learn that what someone has to offer may or may not be what matches your lifestyle. Knowing this, I believe your partner helps you self-reflect as well as boosts you up. You write personal goals to reach in your career, spirituality, and your future. You have to enjoy the journey and risk of putting yourself out there to be a good companion. Then you self-reflect, which is key to becoming who you want to be and where you want to be.

Companionship has many factors, and the two people involved must be willing to aim at the same target. My companion really helped me in ways I can never repay. While we are no longer together, I am appreciative of our relationship. When you find great companionship ,you are able to collectively gain these perspectives. Each companionship is unique because everyone is different. This means there are plenty of lessons out there for you to learn.

Citations:
“10 Relationship Behaviors of the Happiest Couples.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 2 Oct. 2012, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-fitness/201210/10-relationship-behaviors-the-happiest-couples.