Relationships can be a place of great discovery, a journey of building deep connection and attachment with one another over years, really knowing one another, understanding the fabric of each other personality, values, dreams and goals. Great relationships understand the individual ambitions and goals of each other and understand the importance of honouring these, viewing the relationship as a supportive platform to encourage, nurture and action individual pursuit. Knowing and honouring your partner’s dreams is critical. It may be things like camping, cooking, live theatre or travel. No one wants to be in a relationship where your passions and life dreams go unrecognised or unsupported.
The following are some useful suggestions of being able to be better understand, explore, support and honour your partner’s life dreams.
1 Ask open questions with interest and curiosity to your partner about the dream like:
- Is there a story behind this dream for you?
- What would it mean having this dream honoured?
- Tell me why this is so important to you?
- Is there a disaster scenario in not having this dream met?
- What do you need from me right now?
- Offer empathy and validation for example saying something like, “I understand why that is important to you.”
2. Offer emotional support and validation. Even if you can’t directly help them to achieve their dreams, communicate your support: “I am behind you 100%”
3. Give support to make the dream come true for example helping out with logistics, childcare, whatever you feel you can offer.
Understanding the heart of each other’s life dreams builds emotional connection, it deepens trust and commitment. Honouring each other’s life dreams is a clear demonstration of respect that you have for each other. It says to your partner, ‘I have your back’. Relationships that prioritise making life dreams come true are able to build strong friendships and develop close emotional connection and intimacy.