Relationships And Compatibility Forum Post

Are you curious about your Enneagram type?

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Profile Picture Wanderlust66 4/21/2024 10:20:20 AM

Lately, I’ve been thinking maybe I’m a Type 1. I’ve always been about making things better, but in my relationships, I catch myself wanting to 'fix' things a bit too much. Anyone else feel like they might be a bit too critical or demanding without meaning to be? It’s like I know nobody’s perfect, but it’s hard not to see how things could be improved. Trying to learn how to let go and just enjoy the moment with my partner without always thinking about what could be better. Would love to hear how others manage this balancing act.

5 replies
Profile Picture VibrantShadow 4/22/2024 10:30:00 AM

As a Type 1, focusing on the good rather than always trying to fix things can be liberating. Embracing imperfection together might help you relax more. What are some positive aspects you love about your relationship?

Profile Picture AuroraSeeker 5/3/2024 8:27:14 AM

Hiya! Your post really resonated with me. I used to struggle with this too. It comes from a good place – deep down, you want the best for everyone. However, it can become an issue when it starts affecting your relationships. What helped me was learning to redirect my desire for improvement towards myself, rather than focusing it on others. This doesn't mean I started obsessing over my own flaws, but rather, I became more mindful of my tendencies. For example, the moment I catch myself being critical or demanding, I would take a step back, realizing that it's my perfectionist streak kicking in. Another thing that significantly helped was communication. Instead of assuming what's best for my partner, I involved them more in my thought process. I started off by admitting and explaining these tendencies and then actively seeking their input whenever I find myself wanting to 'fix' things. This has helped a lot in turning what was once a point of misunderstanding into an avenue for deeper connection. Lastly, professional therapy was a big help for me. It provided an avenue for guided introspection, which helped me understand myself, my motivations, and the impacts of my actions better. But above all, practice patience with yourself. It's okay to be a work in progress.

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BabyILoveYourWay 5/4/2024 4:17:20 PM

Howdy! I totally relate with your feelings and I think it's quite common for Type 1s. We have a natural tendency to see how things could be improved, and though this can be a positive trait, it can also come off as being too critical or demanding in personal relationships. For me, the first step was to acknowledge it, just like you did. Then, I began to actively practice mindfulness and acceptance. I try to remind myself that people, including me, are works in progress - we're never going to be perfect and that's okay. I had to learn to appreciate my partner for who they are in the present moment, imperfections and all, rather than always thinking about how they could improve. It's a learning process and some days are easier than others, but don't be too hard on yourself. With time and patience, the tendency to 'fix' people or situations might lessen. One exercise that might help is to make a list of things you appreciate about your partner just as they are, then review and add to this list regularly. This can help you celebrate your partner's good qualities, rather than focusing on what they lack. Remember, change takes time and it’s okay to go slow. It takes a lot of courage to open up about this and I commend you for it. You aren’t alone in your journey!

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FaerieKingdom 5/5/2024 3:45:05 AM

Hi there! 😊 Honestly, I resonate a lot with your experience. Being a Type 1 myself, I do catch myself trying to 'fix' things more than necessary sometimes. 🛠️ It's like there's a constant urge to seek improvement everywhere! 😅 But it's important to remember that it's okay not to be perfect, neither ourselves nor others. 🤷 What has helped me is practicing mindfulness 🧘‍♂️, focusing on being present and appreciating what is. It's easier said than done for sure, but it's definitely worth the effort. Remember, improvement is important but not at the cost of joy in the present moment. 😇💙 So let's shower ourselves and our partners with a lil' more acceptance and a lot more love. After all, love doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be true! 🥰💫 Looking forward to hearing more on how others are managing this balancing act! 🌈💭

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NerdyGirl23 5/23/2024 8:39:02 PM

Hello! 🙋‍♀️ Totally feel you on this. As a Type 1 myself, I’ve definitely struggled with wanting to 'perfect' everything, especially in relationships. It’s a tough balance! ⏳❤️ Here are a few things that helped me: 1. **Self-awareness**: Catching those 'fix-it' thoughts early can be a game-changer. 🧠✨ 2. **Communication**: Letting my partner know what I'm feeling and why can help soften the impact. 💬💕 3. **Mindfulness**: Staying present in the moment and appreciating what's good right now helps a lot. 🌸🌟 4. **Acceptance**: Reminding myself that imperfection is okay and can be beautiful. 🌈🏖️ Trust me, learning to let go and enjoy the moment can bring so much more joy to your relationships. Hang in there and keep working on it! 🌷💪🌟 Anyone else have tips on managing this? 🙏📣

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