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Old Jun 16, 2012, 11:29 AM
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SpiritRunner SpiritRunner is offline
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Member Since: Dec 2010
Location: in my skin and soul
Posts: 2,984
Quote:
Originally Posted by ListenMoreTalkLess View Post
SpiritRunner, I think that these are very deep thoughts about the nature of marriage/intimate relationships.

It seems to me that all intimate relationships have boundaries and respect for boundaries, even if that is not articulated. I have a friend who doesn't like her husband to eat off her plate when they go out, I'm happy to let my wife steal my food. I must have my own toothpaste-- silly in a way, as I will kiss her as often as she pleases-- but I don't want her to use my toothpaste. It's my boundary. She doesn't want me to share the bathroom while she's in there, while I know plenty of couples who will engage in all kinds of hygiene business in front of each other. I also don't share my email password and I don't let my kids use my computer. There are all sorts of "mine" in all relationships and all of these are boundaries in one way or the other.

When someone asserts a boundary ("this is mine" or "this is private"), it is a matter of respect and even perhaps decency to agree to that. Or disagree, and discuss a resolution. But I don't think it's an answer to just say "no we share everything." That is definitely entitlement and one partner/spouse doesn't get to do that at the expense of the other. This kind of intrusiveness actually kills the intimacy and connection in a relationship, IMO and IME.
The bolded part I most definitely have experienced. It does. Having your boundaries disrespected and violated makes you feel unsafe, like withdrawing, guarding yourself, sharing/giving less of yourself .... it removes the security of knowing you are respected as yourself and acknowledged as having the right to be yourself and be separate, have your own individualness/identity, which are things I think are needed in order to feel safe in the connection, intimacy, togetherness/oneness that marriage also needs to have ....