We’re all obsessed with being “normal.” In my book, a behaviour is normal as long as it won’t make you sick, isn’t sadistic, or get you arrested. It doesn’t have to be “average”-just within a range of human behavior that doesn’t doom all living things-including yourself. So, it’s “normal,” for example, to lose your temper. It’s not normal to torch your neighbour’s home (even though the thought may have entered your mind occasionally).
What’s normal in a relationship? It’s more varied than you might think. Here’s a list of common relationship issues and behaviors that some experts will tell you are abnormal, but I believe are perfectly normal.
Wanting Space
Only puppies want to constantly be on top of each other-and they get tired of it too. If your relationship can’t survive time apart now and then, that’s when you need to be worried.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
Ditch the Distractions
Is there anyone who hasn’t, at least once, remembered they left the car windows open when the rain, and sex, started at the same time? There’s a lot going on in our lives these days, so your thoughts are bound to wander away once in a while.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
Thinking About the One Who Got Away
Almost everyone has had a fantasy lover-either a real one that didn’t work out-or a movie star or some famous person who you dream about. Maybe it was a high-school sweetheart. There is that “What if…” thought that comes now and then, but if it isn’t a recurring dream, don’t lose sleep over it.
(Photo: Wavebreak Media/Thinkstock)
Wanting to Run Away
Hey, life is sometimes just hellish or boring-or both. Or you feel underappreciated and over-worked. Sometimes you just want to chuck it all and start a new life. If this is a constant state of mind, be worried. More likely it’s just an innocent daydream.
(Photo: Bananastock/Thinkstock)