It's a fact: all relationships have their honeymoon period - the heady days when everything is new and bright, and your love is always beside you. The question is, how do you know when a romantic relationship is too much? See these 7 signs your relationship is too intense to find out.
1. You're On An Emotional Rollercoaster
One minute you're on top of the world - the next thing you know you're in the gutter, emotions running wild (and not entirely sure how you got there). Specifically, keep an eye out for your wild streak getting a bit too out of hand - it could be a sign that your emotions aren't serving you well or that you're in a toxic relationship. If you feel bad more than you feel good, an unhealthy relationship could be to blame.
2. You Don't Get Any Alone Time
Self-care and wellbeing are a commitment each of us has to ourselves, therefore, it's our job to take care of our spiritual health, and our physical fitness. If you're finding you're discouraged from being with yourself, or if you don't want to get some alone time, perhaps you should take a temperature reading on your relationship, it might be too intense. To put it bluntly, if you don't spend time on a bit of self-love, you're not able to take care of number one - yourself!
3. Your Relationship Is Moving Fast
One minute you're planning your second date, and the next you're on windy walks with their parents. It's the first family dinner, and Aunt Maud asks for a wedding invite. Next, your partner's mum slips you the family recipes. If it's only been a few weeks, slow things down: you have all the time in the world.
4. You Fell In Love Quickly
Your heart is pounding, your knees are weak, the physical attraction is almost too much, and you know this is forever. We're happy for you. Love is a beautiful thing. On the other hand, if it happens after your first drinks over dinner, we'd recommend a check-in asap - all things considered, you should keep things exciting, not explosive.
5. You've Only Just Moved On
Without a doubt, breakups are upsetting for everyone - you can end up with some severe dents in your ego and more than your fair share of bad days. Indeed, validation of your worth should only come from within - it's unfair to ask your new partner to do it. Equally, if you're looking over your shoulder too often, the red flags should be fluttering: you could be trying to heal old wounds before you're ready.
You Forget Your Own Worth
If you realize suddenly you've forgotten about yourself, it means you're missing something. If every emotion you're feeling anxious about is your partner's and not your own; your schedule comes after theirs, and their decision becomes final without question, again the alarm bells should be ringing. This is too intense.
If this happens, unlike in the freedom of a healthy relationship, you may have forgotten your worth. In this case, you need to find it, and quickly. Get to know yourself again, then come back to the game. A long-term relationship means long-term commitments to both yourself and your partner.
7. Your Relationship Dominates Your Life
Imagine yourself as a glasshouse butterfly: the warm light streams in from outside, and you feel beautiful and energetic. Unfortunately, though, you quickly discover you can't get out. If your relationship dominates your time, you could find yourself in a cage of your own making. You could subsequently end up shut away from family and friends.
Does any of this sound familiar? If so, the intensity has reached a little too high - dial things back. Have a regular day of relaxation for yourself. As a result, it'll take the edge off the pressure you've been feeling, also helping you to think clearly. Give it a try!
