Forget about all of the romantic movies you’ve seen where couples give up everything for love – that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. If you find someone who truly cares about you and respects you, then they won’t expect you to give up certain pieces of yourself for them. If they do, then you have permission to tell them to hit the road. There are just certain things that a woman should never give up for a man.
- Your career. What a modern idea! Believe it or not, you don’t have to sacrifice your career in order to have a thriving love life. It’s entirely possible for a woman to work in the daytime and spend quality time with her man in the evening. If your partner tries to convince you to quit a job you adore, you should leave him before you leave your job.
- Your friends. You shouldn’t spend every hour of the day with your boyfriend. You need some girl time to gossip about him, which means you can’t let him steal you away from your friends and family. Even though you aren’t in romantic relationships with your gal pals, it doesn’t mean that they’re any less important than your boyfriend. In fact, they’ll probably still be around when he isn’t.
- Your morals. If you’re against drug use, don’t date someone who pressures you to smoke pot. If you’re a strong supporter of animal rights, don’t date someone who buys you a mink coat. You don’t have to have the same exact morals as your man does, but you shouldn’t give up your beliefs in order to support his.
- Your independence. You shouldn’t give up all of your independence once you enter a relationship. Financially, you should be able to support yourself, just in case you two ever break up. Physically, you should be able to change a tire and open a jar without his help. He won’t always be around, you know.
- Your identity. Don’t change your personality in order to impress your partner, either. After all, opposites attract. That means you don’t have to paint your face blue and cheer for the Rangers just because he’s a hockey fan. You can take cat naps when the games are on, instead.
- Your style. If you’re going to get plastic surgery, or even do something as simple as buy a new dress, do it because it’s what you want to do. You shouldn’t change your style in order to impress him. Looks aren’t everything, and if he thinks they are, then you should find yourself someone a little less shallow.
- Your diet. Don’t order a salad just because you’re on a date. If you prefer to eat hamburgers, then you should buy one. Don’t change your diet just because your man suggested that you should lose a few pounds. If you’re comfortable with your weight, then he should be, too.
- Your self-respect. Your boyfriend is supposed to be your partner, not your boss. If he orders you to do his laundry, you have a right to tell him to take care of it himself. Never allow a man to talk down to you. If he doesn’t respect you, then he has no business dating you.
- Your dreams. If it’s your dream to have a dozen children, or to move out of your hometown, then you can’t let a man change your mind. If you meet someone special who doesn’t want the same type of future as you want, then you’re going to have to cut him out of your life, as hard as it’ll be.
- Your happiness. Your partner is supposed to make you happier than you’ve ever been before. Sure, you’re bound to have a few fights, but if he ends up ruining your life more than he enhances it, then there’s no reason to keep him around. You need to find someone who has the ability to brighten your darkest days.
