Oftentimes, finding the perfect partner can feel like you’re stuck in an endless episode of a dating reality show. Next thing, you’re wondering why you’re struggling to find love, even though you’ve tried everything you know how best to do.
You swipe left so many times your phone thinks you’re practising a thumb workout. One date was obsessed with their cat; and another showed up 45 minutes late in socks and sandals. Before you tag yourself an introvert and give up, this isn’t just bad luck. There are reasons why you’re not finding the right match yet, and good news: most of them are fixable.
The phrase “perfect partner” often pictures a union where you and your partner’s needs or wants are met in harmony. This idea gives birth to the concept of an ideal relationship. This ideal belief might be why you are struggling to find love. Often, it originates from prior experiences, personal fantasies, or cultural expectations. Truth is, we can’t truly say that our happy-ever-after would start with the perfect partner tale.
Do you know there are high chances you’ve met your perfect partner already, but did not know? Let’s go over 3 major takeaways you’ve not given attention to. Every one of these factors explains why the ideal mate may still be out of reach.
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If the way you see a “perfect partner” is waiting to see someone who hits every single item on your wish list, you may end up with a lot of disappointment. This can be one of the reasons you’re struggling to find love. When you try only to follow a checklist, you ignore potential partners who could be the next. It is better to sit down and take a pen and paper. Then, highlight the common interests and values you both have, rather than choosing to stick with an unrealistic fixed list.
A relationship is healthier and gets a major upgrade when you accept the fact that nobody is flawless. If you don’t want to be the one on that endless search, choose to focus on reality.
Just take a minute to imagine a relationship where both of you laugh about each other’s flaws. For example, your partner’s weird obsession with the bottom pot, or your own insane love for old couples. This is really how you can begin the process of finding joy despite the imperfect journey. I mean, where getting to know each other comes with the added unique bond that doesn’t ignore the negative.
So, let’s face it: no one is that perfect. Besides, that’s what makes the adventure so much more fun to embark on.
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Another reason you might be struggling to find love is imbalanced exposure from social media. Half the time, our understanding of what makes a good relationship is based on our continuous scrolling through relationships in social media.
Firstly, you need to admit that what makes for a successful relationship in the real world is different from what your influencers tell you a relationship looks like. You should accept the advice of actual, successful couples and place more value on real experiences than on what the media suggests. Successful relationships are largely the result of consistent effort and a sincere desire to forge a partnership as opposed to a relationship for display. Once you’ve come to know this, make a firm decision to live by it.
Real relationship success is more about the daily work and the real desire to build a partnership than a relationship for display.
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It’s difficult for potential partners to live up to your expectations if you’re not being very open about your requirements, especially your love language.
Knowing your love languages is a good starting point for laying foundations, but expressing them clearly is another necessary aspect. For example, if your main love language is “acts of service,” your partner should know. They should understand that you value actions such as helping with chores or running errands. In the same vein, if your partner’s love language is physical touch, they may need more frequent hugs or holding of hands to feel loved.
Misunderstandings like “Why isn’t he paying attention to me?” are avoidable by being conscious of their love expressions. It also helps to have honest conversations that can help you express your feelings better.
If you both communicate two different love languages, you should find a balance that meets both of your needs. For instance, if you value verbal affirmations and your partner values quality time, you can combine the two by expressing your appreciation and love through words while engaging in activities together.
The act of open-ended communication is something that helps you become more familiar with their needs, preferences, and even expressions of love. If you can fully utilize this approach, it can be a whole game-changer that makes both parties feel valued, cherished, and accepted.
A strong note to memorize from Gary Chapman on The 5 Love Languages is that partners are better able to address each other’s emotional needs when they are aware of each other’s love languages. Yes, you may have read the book page to page, but what you’ve continually missed is that there is a responsibility on your end to communicate these languages properly.
This shared understanding between you and your partner strengthens the relationship and lowers the likelihood of misunderstandings. Over time, you can incorporate a system of checks and balances to continually ensure that your needs are met.
To wrap it up, struggling to find love often comes down to a few key missteps that many of us unknowingly repeat. Holding onto unrealistic ideals, absorbing distorted relationships portrayed by the media, and neglecting clear, honest communication all create barriers between you and a meaningful connection. But the good news is these obstacles are within your power to change. By embracing imperfection, valuing real world experiences over fantasies, and openly sharing your feelings and love languages, you open the door to authentic partnerships. Love isn’t found by waiting for perfection, it is built through understanding, patience, and effort from both sides. Remember, the journey to finding love is also about learning to appreciate the unique, imperfect adventure that unfolds along the way.