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Why Relationships Need Breathing Room

Finding Yourself to Strengthen the ‘Us’

Edy Zoo
4 min readOct 23, 2023
Photo by Nicolas Lobos on Unsplash

“Me time” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the quiet glue that holds the bustling puzzle of a relationship together. Now, don’t get me wrong. Sharing a Netflix binge or exploring a new hiking trail with your partner can be the bee’s knees. But sometimes, the most profound moments in a relationship come when we’re, well, alone.

You see, there’s magic in solitude, in being by yourself and with your thoughts. It’s like stepping back from a painting to really see the picture. You appreciate it more from a distance. And this isn’t just poetic yammering. Science backs it up, too!

According to a study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, having alone time is linked to increased happiness and stress relief. It’s a palate cleanser for your mind. And who doesn’t want to bring a happier, stress-free self to their relationship?

Consider this: when you’re on a plane, the flight attendants always say to put on your oxygen mask before helping others. The same idea applies here. By caring for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for our relationships. Or, as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Let’s wander down memory lane. Ellen and Rob, both avid artists, loved painting together, their easels side by…

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Edy Zoo
Edy Zoo

Written by Edy Zoo

Edy Zoo is a social critic, theologian, and philosopher who writes about social subjects.

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