I vividly remember the first time I watched Casino with Robert DeNiro and Sharon Stone. That movie single handedly shaped the way I view relationships. Casino taught me that your life partner can either make you or break you. They will either build you up, to levels you might have not achieved independently or they will suckle your energy and leave you feeling depleted and exhausted in life.
Relationships are tough, we all know that, but the right relationship will be a catalyst for success in your life.
The wrong relationship will do the exact opposite. If you are in the wrong relationship you are wasting time and energy on someone which could be better utilized in your life. For example, if there is a lack of trust in your relationship, you always have to play detective. You have to search for the truth because you do not always get the truth from your partner. Searching takes time and energy and is emotionally draining. It also is extremely isolating; I have always said that it is better to be single than to be with someone who makes you feel alone.
If your relationship lacks respect it is very difficult to be yourself. You feel like anything you say or do could be ridiculed, mocked, judged, critiqued or ignored. It is a very upsetting emotion, to feel less than another human being or that your issues, life, wants, needs, or desires do not level up to your partners. You should never feel ashamed or put down for what is important to you and what is important to you should be important to your partner, so start reflecting if this is not the case for you.
If your relationship lacks love it lacks colour. Love is love; it is pretty difficult to make it through life without loving at least a few people. Loving people is the best medication for a bad day. Love is what makes people get through the toughest times of their life. Love is what makes people work harder. Love is what makes most things in life memorable.
If your relationship lacks encouragement you must seek it out elsewhere. If this is not a deal breaker for you, you must at least acknowledge that you need a cheerleader in your life. Your partner should be doing a backflip for all your successes. You went to the gym, give me a high five! You finally stood up to that bully…
