real35 Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 This is kind of a loaded question, I guess, and I know I'm not going to ask this correctly, so bare with me. But I was wondering has anyone been in a relationship that has changed your life for the positive? As in has someone you were in a relationship with or currently in a relationship with pushed to do something you wouldn't do other wise? 1 Link to post Share on other sites
JDJ Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 My wife wouldn't marry me unless I quit smoking, so I did. Just one of many positive influences 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Happy Lemming Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 My long term girlfriend used to be an English teacher. She has shared some of her favorite books with me (from her personal library) which I have really enjoyed. We have our own little book club together (her idea), its really fun. She has also increased my vocabulary by playing "Scrabble". I've learned so many new words. Like the word "Quay" which is a platform for loading and unloading ships. Yes, she got stuck with the "Q" and the "Y" last time we played, and I learned a new word. All in all, I do feel like both my reading and writing skills have improved for knowing her during our six years together. Personally, I like dating an intelligent woman. Link to post Share on other sites
d0nnivain Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Define relationship Of course my husband changed my life. Now we're married. Then again every man I ever seriously dated (2+ years) had some impact on my life. There were teachers who inspired me. People who pissed me off who inspired me to achieve what they claimed was impossible. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
gaius Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I know that being with my soon to be wife has awoken a drive and focus in me that wasn't at the forefront before. I have a deep desire now to succeed and provide for us, to build a life together. To get to a point where I'm successful enough that I can take care of everything the world can throw at us and make her feel safe. Whereas before I was content to just get by. As long as I had enough to indulge my more unhealthy whims. She's also the first person in my life who's input I've both trusted and respected. She's been able to give me a more honest and accurate outside perspective on myself than I had before just looking in the mirror, which has led to improvements in several areas. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
CptInsano Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 (edited) Similar to d0nnivain it is not that my life has been turned completely upside-down, but women I've been in relationships with have impacted my life. Some have changed my view on life in general, but I notice it more in more mundane aspects, such as the music I listen to, the languages I speak, the food I eat or am able to prepare, or what I like to do in my spare time, such as where I like to vacation. The woman who changed me the most was actually a friend. I was still in my nerdy stage, but that night I decided that if I was to be rejected, it was to be by the most attractive woman I could find. She was single, but only in my city for a few more months, so she didn't want to start anything. However, she was looking for somebody local who could show her the city. Her family was wealthy so she didn't mind paying, either. That's indeed what happened. I spent a few months going out with her, and I realized what I had been doing wrong previously. She was my set of training wheels, so to speak. We also remained friends for years. Edited March 21, 2018 by CptInsano 1 Link to post Share on other sites
GorillaTheater Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I know that being with my soon to be wife has awoken a drive and focus in me that wasn't at the forefront before. I have a deep desire now to succeed and provide for us, to build a life together. To get to a point where I'm successful enough that I can take care of everything the world can throw at us and make her feel safe. Whereas before I was content to just get by. As long as I had enough to indulge my more unhealthy whims. Yep. What ambition I have I owe to my wife, not because she pushes me, but because I want to do the best I can for her. I'd probably be content living on the beach picking up aluminum cans otherwise. Beyond that, I owe a hell of a lot to a Navy Chief who kicked my ass into manhood. 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Michelle ma Belle Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 There is a lovely quote by Eric Allen that I relate to very much; "Everyone is my teacher. Some I seek. Some I subconsciously attract. Often I learn simply by observing. Some may be completely unaware that I'm learning from them, yet I bow deeply in gratitude." I'm in agreement with d0nnivain and CptInsano in that everyone we encounter, be it romantic or platonic, can have an impact on our lives however big or small whether we realize it or not. I am who I am because of those experiences. 3 Link to post Share on other sites
youngandhopeful Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I think quite a few people have come into my life for various reasons. Some people I think I've come into their lives for certain reasons. There are definitely people throughout my journey so far who have had a marked change on me, whether that is good or bad. I quite like that though, especially the good haha. I met a girl in Indonesia (whilst travelling) who introduced me to the world of mindfulness and meditation. Another girl in Cambodia told me all about Tony Robbins and the methodologies he teaches. I think those two interactions have shaped me more in the last year than anything else. All positive stuff. Link to post Share on other sites
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