A common theme in romantic stories is that love demands sacrifice. In many narratives, the hero gives up everything to be with their lover, including family, friends, career, hobbies, and even life itself.
This idea has come under scrutiny in recent years, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ relationships. Some people argue that true love does not require anyone to give up who they are but instead encourages them to become their best selves. This is known as self-realization.
Self-realization involves recognizing one's full potential and working towards achieving it. It requires taking risks, facing challenges, and embracing change. When individuals do these things, they grow in maturity and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Self-realization also leads to more meaningful connections with others because it allows for greater authenticity and vulnerability.
Some argue that surrender is necessary for a healthy relationship. They say that sacrificing time, energy, or resources shows commitment and proves how much someone loves another person. In heterosexual relationships, women often make sacrifices for their partners while men expect it from their wives.
This dynamic can be problematic in LGBTQ+ relationships where gender roles are less rigid.
Two men may find it difficult to understand why one would stay home with the children while the other works outside the house. Two women may have difficulty accepting one of them taking on more household chores than the other.
In addition to gender roles, cultural norms and societal expectations also play a role in shaping what constitutes sacrifice in a relationship. Many cultures emphasize family ties over individual desires, making it harder for people to leave behind parents or religious beliefs for a partner.
Whether love demands surrender or self-realization depends on each couple's unique circumstances. Some couples may need to give up certain aspects of their lives to keep their relationship going, but this does not mean that they should abandon who they are entirely. Instead, they should focus on growing together as individuals and working towards shared goals.
Does love demand surrender or self-realization in LGBTQ+ partnerships?
Love is an emotion that can bring people together. In a LGBTQ+ partnership, there are many factors involved which determine if one should give up certain aspects of themselves for their partner. Self-realization means understanding oneself and having control over how they feel and act. Surrendering on the other hand involves giving up control to someone else. Love demands both these aspects from each individual as it takes time and effort to understand who you are before getting into a relationship.