friendships or romantic relationships
When it comes to friendships or romantic relationships, emotional over-commitment can lead to heartbreak. Think of a friend who goes out of their way to do everything for another friend, sacrificing their own needs and time. When the other friend moves on or stops reciprocating, the overly committed friend is left feeling empty and taken advantage of. This scenario is common in relationships where one person fully invests while the other does not.
Consider the case of Tom, a young man who was madly in love with his partner and built his entire life around her. When she decided to end the relationship, Tom was devastated because his whole identity and happiness were tied to this one person. By not keeping some part of himself independent, Tom lost his sense of self-worth.
Maintaining emotional independence in relationships, while still being committed to the person, ensures you don’t lose yourself in someone else. This allows you to stay balanced and resilient, even when relationships change.