Common Relationship Myths

And they lived happily ever after…

If idiot box, cinema and heavily romanticized novels of Danielle Steel, Nicholas Sparks and Mills and Boon was anything to be believed, women would be stumbling along, trying to discover life with the aim of finding ‘The One’ while the non-serious goof enjoyed his single life until they both found ‘The One’ they were looking for and lived happily ever after.

It’s no wonder why many of us whether new to dating or not hold on to some common relationship myths like this one. This description, however, is not solely and truly reflective of real-life and it often helps us to conclude what a healthy relationship should be like. Yet these common myths about love create and reinforce stereotypes, many of it may do more harm than good.

Here at ShoutLo, we debunk some of the relationship myths for you.

MYTH: JEALOUSY IS THE SIGN OF TRUE LOVE AND CARING.

FACT: Jealousy occasionally can add indifference to a relationship. Just as a spark can illuminate a room, a blaze can turn it to ground. Jealousy can be a sickening combination of rage, humiliation, suspicion and possessiveness. If it overtakes your mind and threatens the very core of your existence, you should know where to demark the line. Jealousy and possessiveness are not always attractive and can slowly kill your relationship.

MYTH:  IF THE RELATIONSHIP IS MEANT TO BE, IT WILL WORK OUT ON IT’S OWN.

FACT: Relationships are turbulent seas, it requires teamwork and cooperation through inevitable problems. Couples who try to work things out have the best relationships. Healthy relationships involve a lot of free flow communication, security and developing a feeling of a deeper bond. Every relationship needs work, be it maintaining excitement or working out on differences. No relationship works on its own.

MYTH: TO GET PAST CHEATING, YOU MUST FORGIVE AND FORGET.

FACT: No matter what the parameters of your relationship are cheating is cheating. Broken trust isn’t something that can easily be repaired. The person who is being cheated on suffers a major blow to his or her confidence and self-esteem. Cheating happens due to the lack of romance, compatibility and emotional connection. Cheating is no free pass for any conflict or indifference in a relationship. Such matters should be handled with a lot of care and patience. A cheating partner should not be spared, even if spared it will always come back to you in some way. Remember, a lesson unlearned is a mistake repeated.

MYTH: CONFLICT WILL TEAR A RELATIONSHIP APART.

FACT:  There is conflict in all relationships. It exists as a reality of a relationship and it is not necessarily bad. Conflict can be distressing, not if you see it as an opportunity for growth. Conflicts can help you deepen your relationship, it can also result in bringing you closer if only it is dealt with great maturity and patience. Open communication and the willingness to resolve the conflict calls for a lot of time and maturity. Conflicts do not tear the relationship apart, it simply clears the air.

MYTH: IN ORDER FOR A RELATIONSHIP TO BE SUCCESSFUL, ONE PARTNER MUST CHANGE.

FACT: Partnership is a mutual game. An equal contribution is required without pondering or blaming the other partner. change is great in small doses, often necessary to smooth over few rough edges of a relationship. One must not impose his or her decisions on the other partner. Few things can be compromised, but one must not compromise on everything in the name of love. Change often brings liveliness and freshness to a relationship only if it is well monitored and stirred towards positivity.

Have your own myths? Do share with us in the comments section.