My Pinterest profile is filled with things that I'm interested in and then forget about right after pinning it. I tend to use Pinterest when I am more bored than usual. One board I have in particular is called, "Spiritual Tings." One of the sections in that board is called, "Journaling" and it consists of journal prompts. I have them saved for when I want to write in my journal, but I don't know what to write about.
I have I had my eye on this bingo card with self discovery journal prompts. Unfortunately, the original poster/creator more than likely deleted their account and I cannot give them proper credit. Mind you, I had that saved for quite a long time.
The first prompt I chose was: What do I value in relationships?
A sense of friendship. Getting along together. Being silly and funny; yet, we can be serious together too.
I think growing up and having so many deeply rooted female friendships, and not being in romantic relationships affected my perspective on relationships. I think that is why value friendship so much in my relationships.
All that I have learned about love outside of my family, I learned from my close friendships. It's the trust, the support, and the duality of my friendships that I take into my relationship.
A lot of my friendships have grown into nothing but unconditional love. It's very wholesome and fulfilling to me.
My past relationship really lacked that sense of "friendship." I had realized that I would not be friends with the type of person my ex was. When that realization hit me, I knew that being friends with my partner is something I valued. I want to be my true authentic self with my partner and not just, "so and so's girlfriend." I want to be able to have my own identity within a relationship.
I know it can sound silly, like of course your partner is more than just a friend. I learned that you could love someone, but not like them as a person. I love my friends as friends and as people. By having a partner you only love because they benefit your life, you might not necessarily like them as a person.
According to an article from PsychCentral they state, "Friendship is a type of relationship based on mutual support and companionship. While friendship has many different levels, it’s typically built on concepts of trust, respect, affection, and similarities between two or more people" (Building).
All those similarities between the friendship and romantic aspects will be on different levels or intensities. All I am saying is that I just want to feel like my relationship with my partner is similar to my friendships, but of course on a higher level. Deeper trust and support, affectionate, and being respectful towards each other. That is what I value in my relationship.
Sources:
"Building a Meaningful Friendship with Your Partner." PsychCentral 8 Oct. 2024 https://psychcentral.com/relationships/the-importance-of-friendship-in-marriage#takeaway
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