I came across this amazing post on Instagram by Lucille Shackleton, aka @centredselftherapy. She came up with an extensive and excellent list of questions that will urge you to go deeper in reflecting on your relationship, your partner, and yourself.

Mind you, the answers to these questions can be difficult to come up with. You may need to do a lot of thinking and reflecting. But in the end, it will be worth it because the answers will clarify how fulfilling your relationship is and what you can do to make it more content.

Relationships can be hard or easy, based on what you bring out in each other. And this is why exploring what your partner brings out in you is wise.

Here is the list of questions:

What does your partner bring out in you?

1. How do I feel when I am with my partner?
2. In what ways do I feel challenged by them?
3. Can I have an open and honest conversation with my partner?
4. Do I feel safe expressing myself without fearing judgement or being dismissed?
5. Do I act differently with my partner or not with them?
6. Do I feel like my authentic self around them?
7. Do I feel I need to minimise myself due to their emotional responses?
8. Do they bring out any specific traits of my personality?
9. Are there any negative behaviours or habits that have emerged in the relationship?
10. Have I felt like I have changed in the relationship? Are these changes negative or positive?
11. How does my partner handle conflicts and disagreements, and how does it affect me?
12. Do I feel like I am the best version of myself with them?
13. Do I feel like they hear and understand me most of the time?
14. In what ways does my partner inspire and motivate me?
15. If I am stressed, does spending time with them soothe me?
16. How does my partner contribute to my overall contentment and happiness?
17. Do they bring the best in you?
18. Do I feel inspired and motivated after an engaging conversation?
19. Do we have engaging conversations?

Our partners and relationships bring different things into our lives. These things include various aspects like personality, behaviours, emotions, responses and reactions. Of course, it’s not all on them. But these questions are simply a way to acknowledge how our relational dynamics impact our lives and personalities.

No relationship is perfect. Nor are its partners. And there will always be ups and downs. What’s absolutely important is that the overall dynamics of your relationship are positive and healthily contribute to your lives. A relationship with a positive impact will add to your personal growth, happiness, and emotional and mental health. If you are in doubt or feel like your relationship or the partner is not bringing out the best in you, you can always seek support.

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