Why Can’t I Find A Satisfying Relationship?

The first thing you have to ask yourself when you wonder why you can’t find a satisfying relationship is, “Am I satisfied with myself?”

If your answer is, no, that’s your problem.

But if your answer is, yes and you are still having trouble finding a satisfying relationship, I’ve got news for you. There are things about yourself you do not know. Consequently, those things are keeping you from finding what you want. One of the most important things is the issue of perfection. Nobody is perfect, including you, which I’m sure you know.

Perfect Sabotage of a Satisfying Relationship

However, something you probably don’t know about yourself, and might not believe, is that you think you should be perfect.

Thinking you should be perfect can also be described as the belief that you should be able to reach some goal outside yourself that proves your worth. I know at a conscious level you don’t believe that you should be perfect. However, there is more to you than that.

Your Unknown Unknowns

I’m talking about the part of your mind that’s in control of your beliefs when you are busy thinking about other things. That part of your mind is in control of what you think about yourself 95% of the time. And it was developed when you were very young (0-6 years old). It is your unconscious, which is sometimes referred to as your subconscious. It was developed in relationship to the people who parented you. Consequently, how well their parenting meshed with your innate personality determines, in large part, how strong your belief is that you need to be perfect. Don’t worry, it’s a universal problem. It’s the price we pay for being a part of a “civilized society.”

So, how does this apply to why you can’t find a satisfying relationship?

  • FIRST – Your unconscious need to be perfect causes you to judge others by the same measuring stick with which you judge yourself. Let’s say, you know that so-and-so is really a pretty good person, but you can’t seem to give them a break and let yourself fall for them. Then, you can’t convince yourself that they are the right one. Ultimately, you don’t feel passionate about them, but otherwise, all the time you spend with them is great.
  • SECOND – Your drive to be perfect keeps you from being fully vulnerable with anyone. When you can’t be vulnerable, you can’t be close. Without closeness, there is no long-lasting passion. To be vulnerable requires that you be fully conscious of and emotionally connected to your “imperfections,” and that you be kind to yourself anyway. When that happens, you will be open to true intimacy with others.

Change Happens In Relationship

When you can lay down your gavel of judgment, you will find a satisfying relationship. Additionally, your ability to be vulnerable will bring you connection, passion, and deep satisfaction beyond any that the attainment of goals outside yourself can bring. This does not happen in the vacuum of your mind. It is not done by willpower. It happens in relationship.

Tired of unsatisfying relationships? Call me. We’ll talk.

Leah Benson Therapy icon

Contact me now to set up your free 15-minute phone consultation.

Share this article

Get your anger under control today with an experienced anger management counselor.

Emotional Utopia

WE ARE IMPROVING THE BOOK WITH THE LATEST AND GREATEST BRAIN SCIENCE.

Just tell me who you are and we will notify you when it is released.

REQUEST A FREE COPY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF

EMOTIONAL UTOPIA

Just tell me who you are...

leah benson on mobile phone zoom meeting

Online
Therapy
Available

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse on this website, you accept the use of cookies for the above purposes.

Skip to content