It’s safe to say that most individuals are on the lookout for the perfect partner.
By perfect partner, I mean perfect for them to marry rather than simply perfect for marriage.
There is a trending idea of choosing a partner based on how much they support your self-expression that has revamped marriage full force. It is the reason why many people’s view of marriage has changed so significantly even in the past several decades.
In fact, most people are approaching this institution completely different now.
What are these changes? And how does self-expression lead the way?
The Idea of Love Meaning Self-Sacrifice is Old News
You’re likely familiar with marriage being a covenant of self-sacrifice. It’s probably safe to say that you probably saw it in real life with your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents.
The premise of these marriages was that the more you sacrifice, the greater your love for your partner and family was. It wasn’t typical for married folks to abandon what we call “adulting” to go chasing their dreams. In fact, dream chasers were largely viewed as selfish.
People still followed their dreams and met personal goals, but navigated their path differently than in today’s world. Mostly, because people measured the standard of success more distinctly. Being able to provide for your family was the ultimate goal.
Your self-expression and happiness had little to do with it. But, those days are long gone.
Self-Expression Is the New Love
Times have changed and a new standard has taken precedence. While providing for your family is still important, partners are measured on a vastly different scale now.
Taking care of your family is still a primary focus. But making your passion your profession also ranks high. Even at the stake of a few lean years for you and your partner.
In fact, people nowadays are searching for a specific kind of marriage partner. Not only does this partner have to be compatible, committed, and physically attractive, but also a cheerleader of sorts. The model partner supports and encourages your self-expression. Most people view this kind of relationship as ideal.
How This New Love Changes the Search for a Partner
Rather than just looking for things like financial stability, common core values or emotional connectivity, the search has grown to include one more requirement. People are now choosing a partner based on how much that person supports their self-expression.
What this means is that, in choosing a partner for marriage, they’re looking for someone who can help them accomplish their personal goals.
The notion of chasing dreams doesn’t hide in the shadows any longer. Singles are shouting their dreams from the rooftops like mating calls. Now, potential partners will only give the time of day to you if you’re willing to support their echoing dreams of self-expression.
The Inner-dynamics of Relationships Have Also Changed
Not only has this changed the way how people date and look for a partner, but it will undoubtedly change the intimate workings of their marriages, too. The struggle between which partner is more important has led the way for quite some time now. After all, marriage has its own era of power struggle.
While this struggle is normal, it’s taken on a new identity. It’s not uncommon for a partner to leave a marriage because the relationship has stifled their self-expression. It’s a sort of self-serving concept. You didn’t help me reach my goals, therefore, you don’t love me.
When one partner fails to support the other’s self-expression or dream chasing, then the idea is that they failed the relationship. It’s a long haul from the former standard of marriage, but today’s world is adopting this standard with open arms.
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If you’re experiencing challenges in your dating life or intimate relationship, please contact me. I’d enjoy helping you navigate the difficulties that you face in your romantic endeavors.
