What's the most challenging thing about maintaining relationships?

[killamch89]

Maintaining relationships can be tough, but what do you think is the hardest part? Is it finding the balance between personal space and togetherness, or maybe handling differing expectations? How do you navigate communication issues, or perhaps the emotional effort required to keep things strong over time?

[The Blackangel]

I would say trust. Especially if you have never had even one faithful partner. Or if you just have difficulty trusting. I’m in that boat. I’ve never had a single partner who was faithful. Now, even though I love @Rain Dew with all my heart, I still don’t trust her. I’m trying, but my paranoia and expectation that she will cheat, prevents me from trusting her. As for everyone else, I’m not willing. I refuse to trust anyone. It’s not a “can’t”. It’s a “won’t”. It a conscious decision not to. No different that choosing to wear a black shirt.

Trust is extremely important, but also, extremely difficult.

[killamch89]

15 hours ago, The Blackangel said:

I would say trust. Especially if you have never had even one faithful partner. Or if you just have difficulty trusting. I’m in that boat. I’ve never had a single partner who was faithful. Now, even though I love @Rain Dew with all my heart, I still don’t trust her. I’m trying, but my paranoia and expectation that she will cheat, prevents me from trusting her. As for everyone else, I’m not willing. I refuse to trust anyone. It’s not a “can’t”. It’s a “won’t”. It a conscious decision not to. No different that choosing to wear a black shirt.

Trust is extremely important, but also, extremely difficult.

Totally agree. I've learned to conditionally trust someone while in a relationship but once my instincts start telling me otherwise, that's when I become completely cold and distrusting.