The way we interact with our family can have a significant impact on how we live our lives – including future romantic relationships. Everything from the habits formed in childhood to expectations can have an influence, which can be a good and a bad thing between two individuals.
How Much Do Family Dynamics Impact Romantic Relationships?
Family dynamics aren’t everything in a romantic relationship, but there is much evidence they make an impact. The intricate connections can influence communication patterns, expectations of each person’s role, and how you choose to resolve conflicts.
Influence Factors
Three prominent items stand out as influential factors in family dynamics. These differ between people, which means they have differing perspectives in a relationship.
Influential factors include:
- Family History: Childhood conflict and traumatic incidents can impact how you’re able to handle arguments and conversations.
- Family Origin: Family dynamics from childhood, such as the relationship between your parents, will influence how you grow up.
- Cultural/Socioeconomic Items: Culture and socioeconomic status can further influence how you perceive relationship dynamics.
Results of Family Dynamics
Thanks to these influences, you may react with your partner in a way that is subtly drawn from these experiences. This influence presents itself in a few ways.
Results include:
- Communication Patterns: The way family and friends talk with each other can impact how you speak to your partner.
- Role Expectations: Culture and family relationships could change how you expect your partner to fit into their position.
- Attachment Styles: Your attachment style to your partner could be influenced by the way your parents interacted with you as a child.
- Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution styles often come from viewing the conflict styles of your family growing up.
How To Manage the Impact of Family Dynamics
It’s vital to be self-aware of the parts of yourself that might be influenced by your childhood. Be open and express your concerns to your partner, working together to set boundaries and better understand each other. Also, consider therapy if you have something unresolved to work through from your past.
Hi! My name is Kimmy B, I am the co-host of the We’reHard podcast. I have a passion for fitness, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. I’ve always loved working out and staying active but recently found my groove in the fitness industry.