Paige's Perspective: Complimenting vs Completing Your Partner

Interdependence is important in our most intimate relationships. When one partner breaks down, we often find ourselves filling their cup and leaving ourselves empty. This is fine and well in relationships, but when addiction is involved the prolonged and persistent nature of the lack of support will leave you playing the role of both people...carrying an immense amount of weight. It's unsustainable. Rather than relying completely on someone to carry the traits you lack to "complete you" I like to think of a partner as a shining example of the traits I should develop as we work toward being two complimentary individuals, interdependent. Don't give up on your development such that you are left motionless and lost if anything happens to your relationship. In my opinion, this idea strengthens a marriage when both people are working toward this, not weaken. My goal has always been to be preferably with my partner, but fully capable without.