The Realities of Women’s Independence in Relationships

Back in the old days, women were not given equal rights to education, jobs, power, and security. Their only job was to build a family, provide service to their husbands, and take good care of their children.

As a result, their intellect and skills were limited.

In the 19th century, women started fighting for gender equality to improve their status as members of society.

Feminism has opened the eyes of the majority, including men. Many of these men share the same view with regards to acknowledging women's rights as human rights, not special rights.

When feminists did their part in proving their worth as members of society, the world started giving them more opportunities, and as a result, women's independence became a trend.

Independent women prioritize themselves and work hard to achieve their fullest potential. At the same time, some women try entertaining men while establishing themselves, hoping to build romance.

Men need to keep in mind that independent women are determined and powerful in making themselves better. Also, men should understand that independent women possess dominance and conviction in most of the things they do.

As such, there is a slight chance that, as a man, you might have to spend more time checking the level of compatibility.

So what should you anticipate about women's independence when trying to establish romantic relationships?

What to Expect From Independent Women

• They inspire others.

Some women are labeled as soft, fragile, and vulnerable to life's adversities, and some don’t hesitate to express their emotions.

However, independent women face the challenges of life with a courageous mindset.

They are still afraid to fail, but amidst the idea of failing, they possess a strong will to get through it rather than disappointing themselves for not trying at all.

With that being said, this kind of personality opens other people’s minds on how to live life and realize one's dream.

• They are not fond of clingy people.

It’s wrong to believe that if a person is not clingy with their partner, they are not genuinely in love. As a result, this might make being with independent women difficult to deal with.

These types of women prefer not to express clinginess towards their partner, especially in public places. They hold conviction with the idea that there is an appropriate time and place to show affection.

Most women who have a great deal of independence embrace the notion that their romantic partners are part of their lives, not their entire lives, and vice versa.

In other words, you have your own priorities to fulfill aside from being together.

• They require a strong-minded partner.

Independent women hope for a partner who can understand and support whatever decisions they need to make for themselves -- a partner who can give them space whenever they need to be alone.

Dealing with a partner who prefers to be alone is such a complicated situation, especially if you love the idea of sharing happy memories and experiences. If the need to spend time together is not met, there is a chance for misunderstanding and conflict to occur.

However, that kind of scenario doesn't work easily for independent women. They would rather choose a significant other who knows how to value their own space as well.

If you can't give this to them, establishing a relationship might be difficult to achieve.

• They are help-deprived.

One dilemma that independent women encounter is their idea of independence. In a clearer sense, they mostly prefer to do things on their own despite encountering difficulties and dealing with matters that are beyond their knowledge and capabilities.

Because they tightly hold on to the idea of independence, they consider it a sign of weakness when they ask people for help.

For sure, people may have the tendency to offer assistance, but they need to make sure that they don't step on these women's egos.

When they decline your offer to help, you need to respect it. You just have to wait until they personally ask for it.

• They love to love.

Although most independent women may appear detached at times in their relationship, it doesn’t mean that they don’t know how to love.

It may not be similar to most women who always spend time with their partners every weekend and prepare them a surprise.

Independent women are thoughtful in exhibiting their love. They make sure that they give their full attention to their partners, but they are keen on doing so without any distractions.

They might give the impression that they’re too busy to have time for you, but just know that once they’re committed to you, they will find the right balance.

Independence Brings Two People Together

It’s ideal for most couples to start their relationship as friends. They find it easy to reach out to each other because of the comfort that their friendship brings in their romance.

However, they also need to practice independence in their relationship. Codependency doesn't make the romantic connection healthy. It doesn’t give you and your partner a chance to stand on your own.

Relationship etiquette expert Mara Opperman explains that practicing independence in relationships is beneficial for couples to nurture their individual skills and talents.

A healthy, successful romance empowers both people in a relationship to form a bond which not only allows them to grow together, but also separately as better people.

It’s important to note that social anxiety can make independence complicated for some. It affects how individuals see themselves, including how they perceive their self-worth.

Achieving independence, on the other hand, means recognizing oneself for who and what they are. It also gives couples a sense of self-identity.

Independence makes you and your partner acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and use them to improve your ways in handling the relationship.

Dr. Randi Gunther, a clinical psychologist and marriage counselor, states that:

“If two single people decide to intertwine their lives together, they should ideally be well-informed as to what that option entails. Armed with the foreknowledge and skills, they are more able to commit fully to their new path without holding on to what they have had to give up.”

When independence is welcomed and practiced, couples will be able to appreciate everything about themselves more.