How romantic relationships turn you into a better person

A couple in love [Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto] As a firstborn child, Winnie had grown accustomed to handling everything on her own, rarely relying on others for help. However, meeting her husband shifted her perspective on accepting support. She acknowledges that watching him take charge allowed her to embrace her femininity more fully. The communications consultant also reveals that her husband has strengthened her mindset, helping her assert herself when necessary. "I have a confident partner who honors me for my worth. Fear has become a distant memory. His masculine presence helped me push survival mode away. I have been able to stand up for myself, particularly in the workplace when I felt unheard or misunderstood," she says. Her relationship has also instilled patience in her, teaching her to accommodate her husband's approach to life. "It taught me that it's not just about things being the way I want them to be. It's about balancing my feelings and thoughts with another person, and this requires a good level of patience and selflessness," she shares. For Winnie, every relationship has the capacity to change someone. "A relationship projects your life in another dimension you probably never imagined. I believe everyone needs to be in the right relationship to experience growth. A bad relationship will leave you with a lesson, while a good one will build you to levels beyond your imagination," she says. Brian Githinji's relationship with his significant other has given him more grounding and ambition. He has gained emotional intelligence from his partner, who made him aware of things he was once indifferent toward. "I was oblivious that some of my actions and words could hurt her. Now, I'm more careful with how I communicate, not just with her but with everyone," he shares. He adds, "Physically, she introduced me to a skincare routine. I didn't know men needed that. Any relationship can help you grow with the lessons it brings." In the second year of running his business, videographer Eeru Victor believes that being in the right relationship fosters growth. He met his girlfriend, who encouraged him to believe in his work. "She would listen to me, help me process my ideas, and contribute more. Not many people tell a creative that their work is good. She would tell me when it was and when it wasn't," he expresses. However, Imende Okinda Benjamin challenges the notion that a person can make another better. He believes his circumstances, not an individual, transformed him. "I have had several partners, but none have made me better. A man must have a dream; why should I change it? Nothing diverts my attention from my plans," he states firmly. For psychologist Merlene Oyoo, the love and support she receives from her partner have been a steady force in her life. His encouragement has pushed her to chase goals and step out of her comfort zone, fostering her growth. "His presence makes me feel secure enough to take risks. His belief in me lifts me up when I doubt myself, making me more confident. He is patient and kind, which inspires me to be more patient with myself and others," she says. A defining moment for her was when she hesitated to take on a challenging personal task. As she second-guessed herself, he sat her down, listened, and reassured her, saying, "You've got this. I've seen how capable you are." Those words profoundly impacted her, boosting her confidence to tackle challenges head-on. She adds, "He consistently tells me and those around him how smart, sharp, and eloquent I am. Those words have built me up over time. His encouragement and constant affirmation have reshaped how I see my potential." Merlene believes that a good relationship lifts you up, challenges you, and creates a space where you can work on yourself without fear of judgment, whereas a bad relationship can stifle or diminish you. "I am free around him, which allows me to grow into the person I am meant to be," she concludes. Several psychological studies have highlighted the positive emotional impact of love, companionship, and constructive support on a person's well-being and self-confidence. A 1995 study by Karney and Bradbury stated that partners tend to inspire each other's personality traits. Meanwhile, a study by Murray et al. (2011) found that supportive romantic relationships help individuals develop a stronger sense of self through feedback and encouragement. Additionally, research by Folkman and Moskowitz (2000) found that having a romantic partner provides emotional resilience, enabling individuals to cope better during tough times and improving their mental and emotional well-being

How romantic relationships turn you into a better person

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