Navigating the early stages of love can be a rollercoaster. But emotionally safe people handle it differently.
They don’t just plunge headfirst into the whirlwind of attraction. They approach love with a sense of calm and balance, even when things are exciting and new.
According to psychologists, there are specific things these emotionally safe people do differently in the early stages of love. And understanding these can be a game-changer for your own love life.
Here’s a look at the 7 things emotionally safe people do differently in love’s earliest stages. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
1) They don’t rush into things
Falling in love can be intoxicating. The rush of hormones, the thrill of the new relationship… it’s easy to get swept away.
But emotionally safe people don’t let the current carry them off. Instead, they take their time, allowing the relationship to develop naturally instead of rushing into things.
This allows them to assess their feelings and ensure they’re entering into a relationship for the right reasons – not just because of infatuation or loneliness.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
Emotionally safe people apply this learning and adaptability to their love lives, taking the time to understand themselves and their partners before diving in headfirst.
This measured approach may not be as thrilling as an impulsive love affair. But it lays a solid foundation for a healthy, long-term relationship.
2) They set boundaries early on
One thing I’ve learned in my own relationships is the importance of setting boundaries. It’s something emotionally safe people do from the beginning.
Let me share a personal example. In my last relationship, my partner and I discussed our boundaries early on. We talked about our personal space, our need for time alone, and our expectations for the relationship.
This open conversation helped us understand each other better and avoid potential conflicts down the line.
Dr. Henry Cloud, a clinical psychologist and author, once said, “Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me.”
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By setting boundaries, emotionally safe people are defining their identity within the relationship, which is crucial for its long-term success.
The ability to set boundaries shows a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness – two key qualities of emotionally safe individuals.
3) They’re not scared to show vulnerability
Are we not all a little scared to show our true selves, especially in the early stages of a relationship?
It’s in these moments, though, that emotionally safe people shine. They understand that showing vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a strength that fosters deeper connections.
They don’t shy away from discussing their fears, insecurities, or past mistakes. They open up, knowing that it can help build trust and intimacy.
Famed psychologist Brené Brown said it best: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Emotionally safe people embody this courage, unafraid to be seen as they truly are, and in doing so, they invite their partners to do the same.
4) They practice active listening
Listening is more than just being quiet while the other person talks. It’s about truly understanding and engaging with what they’re saying.
Emotionally safe people are great listeners. They don’t just hear the words; they pay attention to the emotions behind them and respond in a thoughtful, caring manner.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who practice active listening are more likely to be perceived as empathetic and understanding.
This goes a long way in building trust and intimacy in a relationship.
Active listening shows your partner that you value their thoughts and feelings, creating an emotional safe space where they feel seen and heard.
It’s one of the key behaviors that set emotionally safe people apart in the early stages of love.
5) They prioritize self-care
While it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of a new relationship, emotionally safe people know the importance of taking care of themselves first.
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In my own experience, I’ve learned that maintaining my own well-being, both physically and mentally, allows me to show up better in my relationships.
It’s like what they say during the safety briefing on an airplane: you have to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others.
Esteemed psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
This self-awareness comes from taking the time to check in with yourself, understand your needs and emotions, and nourish your own growth.
By prioritizing self-care, emotionally safe people ensure that they’re not losing themselves in the relationship and can bring their best selves to their partners.
6) They embrace conflicts
Now, this might seem counterintuitive. Isn’t love supposed to be all about harmony and understanding?
Well, emotionally safe people understand that conflicts are a natural part of any relationship. Rather than avoiding them or sweeping them under the rug, they embrace these disagreements as opportunities for growth.
As famed psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
This understanding is exactly what emotionally safe people seek in a conflict.
Instead of viewing it as a threat to the relationship, they see it as a chance to deepen their understanding of their partner and themselves, thereby strengthening the bond they share.
7) They stay true to themselves
Emotionally safe people never lose their identity in a relationship. They maintain their individuality and continue to pursue their personal interests and passions.
They understand, as psychologist and author M. Scott Peck said, “Love is the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.”
By staying true to themselves, emotionally safe people ensure that they’re growing alongside their partners, not simply merging into them.
Final thoughts
Navigating the early stages of love is a journey, one filled with exhilaration, uncertainty, and discovery. As we’ve seen, emotionally safe people approach this journey in a distinctive manner.
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They take their time, set boundaries, show vulnerability, practice active listening, prioritize self-care, embrace conflicts, and stay true to themselves.
These behaviors not only foster healthier relationships but also ensure personal growth and well-being.
Love isn’t about losing ourselves but about growing with another. It’s about building connections that respect individuality and encourage mutual growth.
As you reflect on these insights, consider how they apply to your own experiences in love. And remember, it’s never too late to cultivate emotional safety in your relationships.
After all, love is not just a feeling; it’s a practice.
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