When should you listen to other people’s relationship advice?
When it comes to relationships, there are a lot of things that we cannot control and one of it is the unsolicited opinions of our family and friends. There will be judgments and thoughts about your partner that could either make you feel at ease or stress you out. You can’t blame them because they love you and they just want what’s best for you. But should you live with those sentiments and apply it in your relationship?
There are a lot of reasons why we should listen to our parent’s love advice and one of it is that they’ve been there before. It might not happen to them personally, it could be from a friend or colleague, but those involvements have definitely left them a lesson. You may see their behavior as just being overprotective but if you think it over, they’re just doing it because they care for you.
Your parent’s standpoint didn’t come from gossips or hearsay, it came from a perspective from different generations. Listening to them will never be wrong because most of the time they’ll tell you what you need to hear.
Whenever you disregard your parent’s opinion, or don’t feel like sharing some stories with them, you let your friends know. But what if you feel like your friends don’t support your relationship? And then for an instance, your boyfriend doesn’t like your friend either?
You’ll most likely get caught in the middle between your lover and your friends.
Your friends know tons of things about you. There maybe dramas sometimes, but you know they got your back no matter how stupid you get yourself involved to. Your relationship with them is real because you allowed them to see who you really are. They accepted you for whatever you are. But no matter how long you have them in your life, they’re still not a part of your dating relationship.
I know you’d like your friends to be there to support you even on your love life, but in reality, your happiness isn’t based on someone else’s. When your boyfriend started dating you, he didn’t go out with a plus one. It is you, alone who caught the man.
I didn’t say don’t listen to your friends because sometimes, what they see are the things you’re blinded about. Hear them out. Don’t leave them. See where they are coming from because like your parents, they only want what’s best for you. Be appreciative of the fact that they are there for you. Thank them for their honesty. You don’t need to agree or disagree with them. You’re blessed to have them in your life, no matter what you feel about their point of view.
Your boyfriend shouldn’t choose who your friends are too. He should on the other hand respect your decision about it. He came into your life knowing that you love your friends. They are add-ons to your family that he should’ve accepted when he met you. Whether they get along or not, he still can’t decide for you.
Do yourself a favor. Listen to your heart. Not everyone else’s opinion has to be the same as yours. You have full-control of your life. As children, we should honor our parents but decision making comes along with growing up. You have to start taking responsibility of your actions. Trust your gut and be the one to drive your life. No one knows what’s in your heart better than you.
Don’t be scared. Reflect. Validate. Choose your fate.
I hope that you find a little piece of heaven, as you walk along the river.
