Let's be honest—when we fall in love, everything feels new and exciting. We want to make the other person happy, and sometimes, we go too far. We start saying yes when we actually mean no.

We begin adjusting our habits, opinions, and even dreams to match our partner's. This shift doesn't happen all at once—it's slow and subtle. And one day, we might look in the mirror and realize we barely recognize ourselves.

Know who we are first

Before entering a relationship, it's important that we know who we are. That means being clear about what we like, what we value, and what we want in life. If we don't have a strong sense of self, it's easy to get pulled in different directions by someone else's expectations. Loving ourselves first gives us a solid foundation, so we don't feel the need to mold ourselves into someone else just to feel accepted.

Keep our hobbies and passions alive

It's perfectly okay to share interests with our partner, but we shouldn't give up the things we love. Whether it's painting, running, baking, or just watching our favorite TV show alone—these small things make us feel alive and grounded. When we stop doing them, we start losing pieces of ourselves. Keeping our hobbies helps us stay balanced and reminds us of our individuality.

Speak up about our feelings

If we always stay silent just to keep the peace, we're not being true to ourselves. Honest communication is the backbone of any healthy relationship. It's okay to disagree. It's okay to express when we're uncomfortable. Speaking up doesn't mean we're being difficult—it means we care enough to be real. Over time, this kind of honesty builds deeper trust.

Set healthy boundaries

Boundaries aren't walls; they're lines that help both people feel respected. We might think love means doing everything for someone, but that can lead to exhaustion and resentment. For example, we can set boundaries about how much time we need alone, how we prefer to spend money, or how we handle conflicts. When we respect our own limits, we teach others how to treat us with care.

Have time apart, not just together

We all need space sometimes, even in the happiest relationships. Spending time with our own friends, doing solo activities, or just taking a quiet walk alone gives us the chance to recharge. It also helps us grow as individuals. Ironically, when we grow on our own, we bring more to the relationship.

Check in with ourselves regularly

Every now and then, it's good to pause and ask ourselves: "Am I still being me?" If we notice we're constantly tired, saying yes too often, or feeling disconnected from our true self, that might be a sign to reset. Writing in a journal or simply reflecting during quiet time can help us stay in touch with how we feel.

Love should support, not erase us

The right kind of love makes us feel more like ourselves—not less. A healthy relationship should lift us up, not shrink us down. If we find ourselves walking on eggshells or losing joy in the things we used to love, it may be time to rethink the dynamic. Real love gives us room to breathe and be who we truly are.

Let's protect our inner spark

Lykkers, have you ever felt like you were losing yourself in a relationship? Or maybe you've watched a friend go through it? Remember, love is beautiful—but not at the cost of who we are. Let's promise ourselves that we'll hold on to our voice, our dreams, and our spark, even while holding someone else's hand.

We can be in love without disappearing. And we deserve that kind of love.