Restrictions, Boundaries, & Relationships (Domestic Violence Prevention)

During a relationship with someone, often one partner feels frustrated and hides their emotions. Although not all relationships are like this, there might be more expectations and often one might feel restrictions in the relationship with their partner. Yet, feeling restricted in a relationship can also be a way for one partner to control another partner by blaming them. Often this feeling of being limited in the relationship can be a quick response to an argument and it is not an answer that you might expect from your partner. Nevertheless, it can also be a reason for not wanting to commit to the relationship, feeling vulnerable, and not being sure about your feelings towards your partner. 

Sometimes arguments occur in the relationship, especially when one partner does not want to meet their partner's parents for the first time. It can make anyone feel nervous about meeting the parents of your partner. However, meeting your partner's parents does not change your relationship with your partner. Also, it does not pressure both of you to commit to each other in marriage or make a serious commitment. Additionally, a partner often makes the assumptions that meeting one's parents can make them change their perspectives about their relationship. 

There is nothing wrong in meeting the parents of someone that you are dating or about to date. Meeting your partner's parents can be a customary tradition and it is often misinterpreted by your partner. If you partner objects to not meeting your parents and tells you they feel restricted; It can be a bad sign in the relationship. Also, consider the length of time you have spent dating your partner or getting to know them. Recognize and accept your partner's decisions and evaluate the relationship you have with them.

If you feel uncomfortable meeting the parents of your partner, ask yourself why you are feeling that way. Ask yourself for more questions about not wanting to meet them and what would happen if you met their parents. Nonetheless, recognize, respect, and accept any decisions made between you and your partner. Understand each other and make a compromise. However, if your partner has resistance and bad intentions of not meeting your parents; It is necessary to ensure your safety and follow your boundaries. 

Practice self-control with your words, body language, and with your thoughts. Do not blame yourself for what goes wrong in the relationship. Also, practice self-kindness, self-care, and include time for mental and physical exercises. Think about your partner and think about what you want in the relationship. Do trust yourself and trust your partner.

Depending on the type of relationship, it is necessary to meet your partner's parents for their peace, for their comfort zone, and to feel welcomed. As well as getting to know their parents and to get to know them without judgment. Besides, it is an opportunity to understand your partner's values and their family traditions. Although you do not fully comprehend your partner, it can make you find time to develop a deeper connection with your partner. Lastly, meeting your partner's parents must not feel like a restriction in the relationship. 

Other reasons for feeling restrictions in the relationship might be due to lack of boundaries and not respecting each other. Keep in mind that there are six types of boundaries. There are physical boundaries, emotional boundaries, intellectual boundaries, sexual boundaries, boundaries with time, and spiritual boundaries. Restrictions in a relationship can make your partner feel manipulative, controlling, and doing things without consent. It is hurtful and damaging to the relationship.

Healthy boundaries can make both of you give space for each other's time and mental well-being. It does not limit pressure or lose your serenity in the relationship. In healthy relationships, boundaries restore your trust and your self-worth. Yet, restrictions can make your partner feel angry, distant, and want to leave the relationship. As well as discouraging you to continue being in the relationship because of losing your feelings towards your partner. 

When restrictions occur in the relationship it is uncomfortable, frustrating, and makes you lose respect for each other. It can make you worry more and not be able to realize your partner's intentions for you. To prevent domestic violence and abuse, both of you must understand, communicate, and have peaceful conversations. Avoid restrictions but do have boundaries between each other. Evaluate your relationship and communicate any concerns, fears, or doubts. 

Practice self-love. Do not add restrictions to yourself or to your partner. Choosing to speak in a calm manner and always asking for consent can prevent conflicts in your relationship. Dedicate time to your relationship and find solutions to repairing your relationship. It is possible to prevent domestic abuse and violence in relationships by avoiding miscommunication, avoiding physical harm, and avoiding harsh words to each other.

Restricting your partner from not seeing your parents and family is a warning sign for your relationship. Other warning signs in the relationship can be restricting what you eat, restrictions in getting dressed, and restrictions in making purchases. More restrictions can make you feel instability in the relationship. Also, you might fear seeing and being with your partner. It is recommended to leave and end the relationship. 

If you have doubts, fears, or worry something might change in your relationship after meeting your partner's parents; Communicate them to your partner ahead of time. Do not force your partner to meet your parents or other family members. But do ask them for reasons because it can be suppression of emotions, fear of commitment, or an unpleasant experience from an ex, or manipulation. Seek professional help if you are experiencing excessive restrictions and domestic violence or abuse. Here are websites with more information about relationships. 

How to Repair A Damaged Relationship in 13 Essential Steps:

How To Repair A Damaged Relationship In 13 Essential Steps

How to Save a Struggling Relationship: 22 Ways to Reconnect: 

How to Save a Struggling Relationship: 22 Ways to Reconnect

11 Tips to Handle Parents Meeting Parents for the First Time:

11 Tips to Handle Parents Meeting Parents for the First Time

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