These 5 Things Are Non-Negotiable in a Relationship

Losing a relationship is better than losing yourself.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Rules! They’re everywhere — driving, eating, behavioral, public safety, etiquettes, etc. But when it comes to relationships, we accept everything in the name of love. Why?

Love is blind. It clouds our “power to discern and decide.” Romance often makes it tough for us to decide what’s non-negotiable.

Of course, a forgiving heart is a good thing. After all, no individuals are flawless, and we all tend to mess things up. But, understanding your needs and respecting them helps you make a fulfilling relationship with anyone.

The deal-breaking behaviors in relationships, also known as intimate partner violence (IPV), gradually manifest in the form of physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four women and nearly one in ten men experience IPV of any form.

I have been a victim of IPV, and I know how it feels. But, I don’t want you to suffer from it. I don’t want you to lose yourself in a relationship as I did.

So, here’re some of the behaviors, gestures, and activities that should be non-negotiable for the mental health, privacy, and freedom of individuals in any…