Satisfying Your Love and Belonging Needs in a Relationship
Let’s face it – we all need to feel loved and wanted. We want to feel that we’re an important part of our relationships, families, social groups, and even community. Meeting these needs forms an integral part of maintaining better mental health. So, why are Love and Belonging needs important in a relationship, and what are the key tips to satisfying them?
During infancy, children are dependent on their parents to meet their survival needs. Because of this dependence, children feel loved and part of a family. They essentially develop a bond with the people that take care of them. Consequently, most kids develop behaviors and attitudes that encourage this dependency. This prompts the adults to want to care for the kids even more.
Ownership and Dependency
Well, marriages develop another dimension to the idea of ownership and dependency. You can view it as an appealing surrender or living out the desire for a total union. Nothing feels as right as having oneness without limits in a marriage – it builds complete belongingness. Keep in mind that marriage involves a relinquishment of independence. Therefore, learning how to meet the love and belonging needs of your spouse is paramount to maintain your marriage.
Belongingness in marriage carries with it a huge obligation. Ownership in marriage is not about domination and control – it’s about as territorial as you can get. All that is required here is complete fidelity and total faithfulness. When a couple “owns” each other, the relationship moves beyond merely finding each other attractive. This is the apex of true belongingness in any marriage.
Perhaps you’re wondering how satisfying Love and Belonging Needs affect a relationship – that’s alright! Among the most key benefits of meeting these needs is to avoid mental illness. Individuals that are sensitive to the love and belonging needs of their spouses end up in happier relationships. Meeting these needs makes you have strong connections with each other too. The more closely you are connected to your spouse, you’re sure to enjoy a happier relationship and personal satisfaction.
Now that you know how important love and belonging needs are to any relationship, you’re probably wondering how to go about attending your relationship. Loving someone is easy, but maintaining love is not a clear-cut mission. Among the major barriers to maintaining love and belongingness in relationships include neglect and not dealing constructively with conflict.
Being Proactive is the Key
When it comes to the love and belonging needs of your partner, being proactive is the key to keeping them happy and satisfied. So, here are a few tips to help you achieve that:
- Take time: Spending regular time with your spouse is vital. Make sure to create adequate time to relax, chat, and have fun together.
- Be Present: Of course, we all got busy lives and careers, but this does not mean that you can’t take care of your partner’s belonging needs. Make time for your partner. Also, keep your phone or computer away to avoid distractions during such times.
- Listen: Taking time to understand your partner’s point of view is key to connecting with them.
- Express appreciation: Nothing keeps a relationship thriving as frequent displays of appreciation. Whether it’s simple words, gifts, or even reassuring hugs, you can be certain to build bonds by always appreciating your partner.
- Apologize and Forgive: Of course, relationships are simply not a walk in the park. You’ll face disappointments along the way. Learn to take responsibility and apologize when you hurt your partner. Similarly, forgiving and moving on when hurt is key to maintaining relationships during tough times. Getting away for a weekend excursion can be beneficial during these tough times.
Maintaining a strong bond with your spouse is an impeccable way to maintain a healthy marriage. Although every relationship is unique, they all require the love and belonging needs to be met. With the above guide, you’re sure to get more involved, engaged, and sensitive to the love and belonging needs of your partner.
