10 things you should never sacrifice for someone you love (even when it’s hard not to)

Relationships, aren’t they the best?

But also, oh boy, can they be tough.

You fall head over heels for someone and it feels like the world is your oyster.

But then, there are times when love demands sacrifice.

I get it. It’s hard not to want to give up everything for the one you adore. But hold on a minute!

Even in the name of love, there are certain things that you should never sacrifice.

Things that are integral to your identity, to your happiness, to your very existence.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating for selfishness. There’s a difference between being selfish and preserving your self-worth and independence.

It’s a fine line, but a crucial one.

So, let’s delve into these 10 things that you should never sacrifice for someone you love – yes, even when it’s hard not to.

1) Your dreams

I remember when I was younger, I had this dream of becoming a writer.

It wasn’t the most lucrative career path and didn’t have the best job security, but it was my dream, my passion.

Then I fell in love and my partner at the time didn’t think it was a ‘practical’ career choice.

Plus, my boyfriend at the time was a high-flying corporate city boy, and being a doc marten clad writer girl didn’t make for the best arm candy.

For a while, I considered giving up on my dream to appease his worries.

But guess what?

That would have been a big mistake!

And I wouldn’t be where I am now had I let go of my dreams and done the law conversion he kept sending me emails and texts about.

Your dreams are what make you unique, they are your calling.

You should never let go of them for anyone else’s sake.

Love can be a part of your life, but it should never overshadow your own dreams.

And if it does, it isn’t meant for you.

2) Your independence

Now this one can be tricky.

When I first moved in with my significant other, it was an adjustment.

We were sharing not only a living space but also responsibilities, finances, decisions…it was a lot.

At times, it felt like I was losing my independence.

That, felt scary.

I was terrified I’d suddenly be kicked out after a fight, or something would happen and the walls of what we’d built together would come crumbling down.

But over time, I realized that being in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your independence.

You can still make your own decisions, have alone time, and maintain your personal freedom.

Independence isn’t about being alone, it’s about having the liberty to be yourself within the relationship.

Sacrificing these crucial aspects of your life in the name of love can lead to resentment and unhappiness in the long run.

Trust me on this one. Aim not for independence, nor codependence, but interdependence.

3) Your health

Remember the saying, “Health is wealth”?

Turns out, it couldn’t be more true.

A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that individuals who put their health at risk for their partner tend to have higher levels of regret and are less satisfied with their relationship.

Love might be a magical feeling, but it should never take a toll on your physical or mental health.

Whether it’s stress, lack of sleep, or unhealthy eating habits – compromising on your health for the sake of a relationship is never worth it.

After all, you need to be healthy to enjoy the journey of love.

If you’re not prioritizing your wellbeing, this will quickly impact not only your own health even more but also your relationship with your partner.

4) Your values

Our values, they’re the compass that guides us through life. They define who we are, what we stand for, and how we interact with the world around us.

They’re deeply ingrained within us, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and understanding.

Imagine being asked to compromise on these very values for someone you love.

It’s like being asked to alter your identity, isn’t it?

It can lead to a profound sense of loss and confusion, and you start feeling like a puppet on someone else’s string.

Love should never ask you to compromise your values or go against them.

Instead, it should respect these values and the person you do love should work to meet you halfway.

Because in the end, love that alters you beyond recognition – is that really love at all?

5) Your friendships

It’s funny how in the honeymoon phase of almost all relationships, we neglect our friendships.

Despite those people being there for us throughout the years.

The newness and excitement of a fresh partner blinds us to the longevity and reliability of the people who have really supported us throughout the years.

While romantic relationships are important, friendships are equally so.

They are the support system that stays with you through thick and thin, providing a sense of stability and comfort.

And especially when you’re young (not to be a downer), your friends will be there far more consistently than the romances and flings who come and go. 

They’ll also be the ones picking up the pieces when things don’t go so well…

It’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of romance and inadvertently push your friends aside, but it’s essential to maintain these relationships.

After all, our friends have been there through our highs and lows, and they deserve to be cherished.

Love should never cost you your friendships.

6) Your family

Your family is your root, your origin, the people who’ve shaped you into who you are today.

If love demands that you distance yourself from them or forces you to choose between them and your partner, it’s a big red flag.

Sure, there can be disagreements and arguments, but these should never lead to a complete severance of your ties.

7) Your self-respect

We’ve all heard stories about people enduring mistreatment in the name of love.

It’s heartbreaking because no one should ever have to sacrifice their self-respect for a relationship.

Love should empower you, make you feel valued, and enhance your sense of self-worth.

If it’s doing the opposite, it’s not love.

8) Your happiness

Here’s a truth bomb – you can’t make someone else happy if you aren’t happy yourself.

Love should bring joy and fulfillment to your life. If it’s causing more pain than pleasure, it’s time for some serious introspection.

Remember, sacrificing your happiness for someone else’s is not noble; it’s self-destruction.

9) Your goals

Just as with dreams, your goals are part of what drives you forward.

They’re the milestones you’ve set for yourself, the future you envision.

Compromising on them for a relationship can leave you feeling unfulfilled and frustrated.

A loving partner will understand and support your goals, not ask you to abandon them.

10) Your inner peace

Inner peace is that serene feeling of contentment with who you are and where you’re at in life.

It’s a sense of balance and harmony within oneself.

Sacrificing this peace to constantly appease someone else can be draining and emotionally damaging.

A healthy relationship will contribute to your inner peace, not disturb it.

The sacrifices that should not be made…

And there you have it – 10 things you should never sacrifice for someone you love, even when it’s hard not to.

Love is a beautiful thing, but it should never cost you your identity, your happiness, or your well-being.

As the saying goes, “Don’t lose yourself in the process of loving someone else.”

Because at the end of the day, you’re the one that matters the most.