The magic phrase ‘romantic relationship’ is quite popular, but don’t you feel that romance and relationship are two different phenomena? So the question is – what is the difference between ‘meaningful romance’ and ‘meaningful relationship’? To be more precise, what is the difference between romance and relationship? Well, you can share tiny pieces of romance with many. However, eventually, the entire chunk would be finished in that process of generous distribution. At least logic says so. On the contrary, if you plan to maintain a ‘meaningful relationship’ then you should share that entire chunk with one person only. Now you may find that the entire introduction was quite confusing, but in the rest of this blog, you will be able to get the point. Here are 7 signs that you are in a ‘meaningful romance’ and not in a ‘meaningful relationship’.
Difference Between Romance and Relationship: You Both Are Not On The Same Page Of Life
I am not talking about the ‘pace’, here I am talking about ‘page’. Professionally, you might both be opposites; one of you may be more successful than the other; but, what about your personal lives? To be more precise, say one partner is running from pillar to post all alone to arrange money and other necessary resources to fix a personal crisis (e.g. health). Meanwhile, the other partner is enjoying life with family and friends. Although that person is sending romantic texts frequently (probably out of guilt or just as a formality), would you call it a ‘meaningful relationship’?
Popular media always trying hard to feed us a myth that is “opposites attract each other”; whereas, the truth is “opposites never attract each other”! For instance, if both of you fundamentally live poles apart then nothing on this planet can bring you closer. Under such circumstances, you should never indulge in such hallucinations; because, despite your best efforts, believe me, it is a ‘meaningful romance’, since ‘meaningful relation’ implies ‘in sickness and in health’.
You Are Only Remembered Seasonally
Yes, it’s another vital red flag. Never ignore the scenario when your partner only remembers you seasonally. It could be a birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary (e.g. anniversary of your first meeting, the first hug, the first kiss, the first time you made love, etc.). On these occasions, both of you would see each other, exchange gifts, and shower lots of affection and attention for some time, and once the season is over, you would find yourself all alone in your world, and your partners would be busy in their lives. Well, if you are experiencing something like that then you are in a ‘meaningful romance’ since a ‘meaningful relationship’ is not a celebration of seasonal festivities.
Difference Between Romance and Relationship: You Are Not Prioritized
I can remember one man who went to Sikkim to see the mesmerizing orchids blooming, while his wife was giving birth to their only child. Now, that man had two choices but he decided according to his priorities. I know that was a slightly cruel example. However, think practically, as human beings, we have very limited abilities, we just can’t be in two places at the same time. Therefore, you should observe whether you get priority in your partner’s life.
Does your partner manage to spend time with you on some ‘not so special occasions’ or does his or her schedule get in the way? It’s very important to know how much you mean to your partner. If you are prioritized only according to your partner’s convenience then you are definitely in a ‘meaningful romance’, since a ‘meaningful relationship’ is never about one’s convenience.
Difference Between Romance and Relationship: You Are Not 'Fulfilling' The Basic Conditions
Yes! When your love is not unconditional then it’s romance. A common condition that I have heard is –“I love traveling and I am looking for someone who would travel with me”. It may sound weird but it’s true. However, my question is – “Would you choose your partner based on ‘common hobbies’ or based on ‘common values’?” Therefore, if you are listening to the same complaint constantly, that you cannot fulfill the basic conditions, then you are in a ‘meaningful romance’.
You Prefer To Avoid Your Partner
You are lonely, but despite that loneliness, you prefer avoiding your partner; because, in your life, now your partner’s presence is nothing but empty noise. You don’t enjoy his or her company the way you used to. Somehow you have realized you are nothing but an accessory for your partner. In that position, you can assure yourself that you are in a ‘meaningful romance’ and not in a ‘meaningful relationship’.
Difference Between Romance and Relationship: You Have Stopped Fighting For The Relationship
We don’t fight to break our relationships, in fact, often we fight to save them. We shout because we want to be heard, we crave minimum attention. However, when you stop fighting and slowly start praying for a ‘natural end’ to that relationship then finally, congratulations! This time you were in a ‘meaningful romance’ and not in a ‘meaningful relationship’. You have reached that point where you are desperately seeking an ‘amicable evaporation’ of the entire façade. Perhaps you are taking one of the most sensible decisions of your life and trust me, that decision will have a very positive impact on your life.
Romance and relationship need to be explored further. If you feel you can relate to that article to some extent then please follow our Relationship Advice blogs on this website. For many such blogs on related issues follow Resource Owls.