Very rarely do we get it right the first time around when it comes to relationships. Dating is a time of self-discovery and that comes with a fair share of trial and error. It’s normal to look back on past relationships and wish that things had gone a little differently – but that’s how we learn! Here are some of the most common regrets women have when it comes to past relationships.
Not Getting to Know Each Other on a Deeper Level
Dating should be a time to get to know one another. For whatever reason, we often find other things getting in the way of making a deep connection. A relationship can’t thrive without depth and oftentimes we see relationships shrivel up once the small-talk has been spent. This can leave you with the regret of wondering what could have happened if you’d gone beyond the surface.
Ignoring Your Gut Feeling
Sometimes, no matter how much you want a relationship to work out, you and your partner just aren’t compatible. You generally come to regret any time you choose to ignore your instincts. More often than not, they’re right.
Not Giving Each Other Enough Space
A healthy relationship needs to breathe. Trusting your partner enough to let him or her have a life outside of you is a sign of maturity. It seems counter-intuitive, which is why many women regret smothering their relationships by not giving themselves or their partners enough space. Ultimately, this can drive your partner away.
Not Being Confident Enough
Another regret women have is not having enough confidence in themselves or in their relationships. A lack of confidence can manifest itself in jealous behaviors that can push a loved one away. It can also result in you acting small and hiding the interesting person your partner was initially attracted to. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, , you’ll regret that there ever was a time that you doubted yourself.
Hiding Your Feelings
Whether it’s your annoyance at the dirty dishes or an inability to express more positive emotions, healthy relationships require open and honest communication. Perhaps that’s why hiding one’s feelings is also among a woman’s biggest relationship regrets. Most of the time we hide our feelings unnecessarily, creating an excuse that invalidates our need to be heard. Stop it. Bottling up your feelings is unhealthy – for you and for your relationship.
Letting Others Influence Who You Date
While it’s great when our significant others are loved by our friends and families, a lot of women regret staying with partners because they were well-liked rather than because they were a good fit. It makes it hard when you’re dating a nice guy and you logically go well together. But if your heart’s not in it, your heart’s not in it.
Staying in Relationships That Aren’t Right
Whether you were in an abusive relationship or you fell out of love, one of the biggest regrets women have is staying in a relationship long after they felt that they should. Especially in the cases of toxic partners, most women regret giving their partners the benefit of the doubt even when their behavior stated time and time again that the situation wasn’t going to change.
Whatever regrets you may feel, just remember that break-ups help us learn about what we want and need in a relationship. It’s not so much a matter of who’s to blame but of not being able to provide each other with what was needed. So learn what you can and move forward with the confidence that only comes from experience
