Some people mistakenly feel that once they commit to a relationship, they have been granted permission to take control over every little thing in their partner’s life. This misconception is distractive and dangerous and leads to an extremely toxic relationship.

When thinking about it, we can’t escape this. Even when describing our significant others or other loved ones, the use of possessive words is unavoidable. My boyfriend/ girlfriend, My husband/ wife, etc.. However, that is not the ownership I referred to earlier.

Instead, I referred to the type of ownership in which one tries to assert their will over their partner. When we do behave in this manner, we are very likely to offend and insult our partners, in addition to making the relationship toxic.

Sometimes it may feel as if our partner owes us something; their time, effort, and affection, as after all, we give them ourselves and our love. However, we are mistaken. Our partner shouldn’t owe us for our love, as it is should be given unconditionally. All we can expect from them is to return the gesture – to commit and love us full-heartedly.

At the end of the day, it’s called partnership for a reason. No individual has the right to make the other subservient; to control every detail of their existence. In a relationship, we have to treat each other as equals. Otherwise, love won’t flow equally.

You’ll get the most out of your life and your relationship by treating your partner with the same respect you’d ask for yourself. As simple as that.