I had an interesting conversation with some relatives this weekend. In the midst of good food and wine always comes the conversation of relationships. We talked about the ups and downs, sacrifices and benefits of being involved with someone you care about. Then someone had some inner-most thoughts he wanted to share (here we go!). He confessed that he just wanted to find someone who he could be with sincerely, but then over time if the urge or desire comes for him to be with somebody else, there shouldn’t be a problem with that….
…while he’s still in the relationship with the other person.
He felt comfortable telling us and asked us not to be judgmental about what he was saying. From my standpoint, I have to give him credit for being honest with himself and knowing what he wants. On the other hand, he has to see if what he’s saying is realistic. There’s wanting to be involved with different people at one time, and then there’s commitment. My sister explained to him that’s where the sacrifice is in being in a relationship with someone you care about. You have to put your selfish desires aside in order to make the relationship work. He definitely listened to what she had to say, but stayed quiet as afar as a response goes. He was obviously thinking of what he heard from her.
Now I’m wondering why people chose to get in exclusive relationships, such as marriage, in the first place? Is it because it’s expected of them, or because of certain beliefs? Could that be the reason why so many marriages fail?
Why did you get married or involved in an exclusive, committed relationship?