We leave freedom and independence to be celebrated on the 4th of July, and for politicians and policy makers to worry about. But freedom is a gift that should be treasured, cherished and protected in all contexts, especially in such an intimate and influential relationship in our lives such as our relationship with our partner.

In our relationship, the ability to exercise our freedom is key to our and our partner’s wellbeing and that of the relationship. Without freedom your true authentic selves can not be in relationship and the relationship can not flourish and be satisfying.

But how does freedom manifest in our relationship? I am not talking about being free to do what you please, at whim, at your partner’s expense. Exercising freedom carries responsibilities with it to ourselves and those around us. It is not about being selfish, inconsiderate, and irresponsible. Having freedom in your relationship means having the ability, opportunity, space and safety to be your authentic self and interact from your uniqueness, strengths, and gifts. It also means being responsible for creating the ability, opportunity, space and safety for ourselves and our partner.

Freedom can not be taken away; it is a state of mind that we have control over. When we feel stuck in our lives and relationship, it is because of how we are choosing to look at our situation. Perception is extremely powerful. It creates our experiences, our reality and ultimately our lives! Be mindful of how you choose to perceive your partner, their motives, your interactions, your options, your relationship, your life. What you make of it is what you get!

You have a choice on how you perceive any given moment and therefore how you feel, how you respond, what actions you take, and consequently what results you get. Take advantage of this inherent gift, your freedom of choice and perception, and create a fabulous relationship with your partner and an incredible life!!

Happy Perceiving and Choosing!!

http://www.metrorelationship.com/SuccessfulCouples/2014/06/freedom-persp...

Author's Bio: 

Emma K. Viglucci is the Founder and Director of Metropolitan Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC, a private practice that specializes in working with couples, is the creator of the MetroRelationship" philosophy and a variety of Successful Couples" programs and products that assist couples succeed at their relationship and life. To get your downloadable relationship enrichment insights and receive her weekly successful couples articles, nurturing nuggets (sm) and other resources visit: www.metrorelationship.com.