self-concept, they generally were not as supportive of their loved one changing in any way.
The team came to the conclusion that this was because the individuals worried that changes in their partner meant they would have to evolve, as well. Without a firm idea of who they were on their own and how they fair in the world on as individuals, they were unsettled not knowing how their partners would define them.
Although the report was focused on romantic pairings, the same results could apply to anyone with whom we share a deep connection. This includes family members who help with entrepreneurial efforts, friends who’ve listened to failed romance stories and even mentors or team members you’ve bonded with.
It’s perfectly normal to constantly yearn for the familiar to some degree, and because we use external validation to form and empower our perception of ourselves, it can be unsettling to see those we see as our foundation become willing to shift…or move away from us.
We have to ask ourselves and answer some tough questions around whether the changes we see somehow will alter our future or, worse, break the