How To Know If You're In A 'Karmic Relationship'
A romantic connection can be an enriching part of your life. When done right, the pros definitely outweigh the possible cons. Once you've fallen in love, you see the world and your partner through rose-colored glasses. Their quirks are endearing, and you two accept each other for who you are, even though those may be two vastly different things.
You start to think that this is romantic; you and your partner are true polar opposites that actually attract. But are you really? Everyone fights from time to time, and differences are to be expected. While a good fight can sometimes be just what your relationship needs, there is a fine line between healthy and toxic love.
If you and your partner can't seem to stop fighting over the most mundane things, after which you passionately make up, it may be time to rethink your connection and ask yourself if you're in a karmic relationship.
A karmic relationship is a spiritual connection
A karmic relationship can oftentimes be described in opposites — tumultuous but nonetheless full of affection. "A karmic relationship is one that's filled with all-consuming passion but is extremely difficult to maintain," neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez explained to Healthline. This kind of connection is meant to push you out of your comfort zone in terms of love and make you rethink everything you thought you knew, Hafeez emphasizes.
It's important to note the spiritual connotation a karmic relationship has, according to relationship counselor Margaret Paul. "Very often, there are numerous unresolved issues from past lives," she shared with mindbodygreen, adding that karmic relationships are bound to be short-lived. "This is because you are coming together in this life to clear karma between each other. It's often a balancing out of a bad experience from a past life," Paul said.
While it might not be immediately obvious whether you're in a karmic relationship with your significant other, there are some telltale signs to look out for.
Recognizing and dealing with a karmic relationship
If your relationship is a roller coaster of emotions, it might be a karmic one. "Karmic relationships tend to be extremely intense connections early on (in the relationship) and include a lot of drama, frequent highs and lows and red flags, but also include a lot of passion," Leanna Stockard, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told USA Today.
According to Andrew Aaron, a marriage counselor and sex and relationship therapist, another indicative sign of a karmic connection is not being able to leave despite all the bad. If neither you nor your partner can quit the relationship even after becoming aware that it's not good for either one of you, it could be the karmic tight-gripping effect, Aaron explained to Healthline.
In the case that your relationship really is a karmic one, clinical therapist Bradley Mallett advises finding a good listening ear and not being afraid to voice your relationship concerns, as per USA Today. Seek help not only on your own but with your partner as well, if possible, as there are many relationship problems a couples counselor can help fix. Still, know when to walk away. Here, Hafeez recommends cutting the person out of your life completely to avoid being tempted back into the toxic cycle. Learn from the experience and put yourself first.