Spending Too Much Time with Your Partner: The Risks for Your Relationship Explained by an Expert

 Do people often tell you that you spend too much time with your significant other? Be cautious, because according to a psychologist, this might actually be harmful to your relationship and to yourself! When we are in love, we generally want to be with our partner all the time. But is this really a good habit? Dr. Aaron Ben-Zeév shared with Psychology Today that this behavior, when excessive, could profoundly affect your relationship in several ways. In fact, maintaining a balance in your relationship is more important than you might think! Here’s why it can be problematic.

Too Much Closeness? Beware of Routine!

The first risk of spending too much time with your partner is the potential for routine to set in within your relationship. While routine can be a sign of stability, over time, it can lead to a decline in passion... which could jeopardize your relationship! To prevent monotony from creeping in and creating unnecessary tensions, make sure to keep some moments just for yourself.

Having Your Own Life: The Key to a Long-Lasting Relationship

As you might have guessed, this is a rule that is often overlooked but is crucial for the fulfillment of a relationship. Having your own space allows you to express yourself outside of your relationship and avoid potential feelings of frustration. Love yourself before you love others—this is the motto! According to Dr. Aaron Ben-Zeév, loving someone also means taking time for yourself, relaxing, seeing friends, and developing new passions. In addition to building your identity, taking breaks without your partner will prevent emotional exhaustion.

Another positive aspect of keeping some time for yourself? You create a sense of longing. And what could be better than that feeling to reignite the flame? You’ll be eager to reunite with your partner to tell them everything. So don’t be afraid to plan a weekend with your friends, without your partner. It’s an excellent way to help your relationship last in the long term.

Beware of Dependency on Each Other!

Beyond routine and loss of identity, Dr. Ben-Zeév also warns about the risks of dependency in overly close relationships. Constantly being with your partner can lead to feelings of loneliness and dependence. In such cases, your relationship can turn into a refuge, which may result in a toxic dynamic. Over time, excessive behaviors can emerge, such as possessiveness, which can threaten the balance of the relationship.