Emotional Baggage in Relationships

Almost everyone today who has experienced a failed relationship is carrying around some degree of emotional baggage. The problem with these left over feelings is that they are usually negative in nature, causing fears and doubts that carry over into future relationships. This can very well sabotage relationships that would otherwise have long term potential. The tricky thing about emotional baggage is that most of us do not realize that we are carrying it even after it has presented itself time and time again within our romantic relationships. It is essential to learn how to recognize our own emotional baggage in order to enjoy healthy and happy relationships in the future.

Emotional baggage occurs when we experience a hurt within a relationship and that hurt is not resolved or dealt with. We then internalize those negative feelings and develop fears that we may or may not be aware of. When we then go onto the next relationship, these same fears and negative emotions trigger negative or irrational thoughts and behaviors within us. These behaviors then have a negative impact on the new relationship. Instead of protecting you from having the original hurtful experience repeat itself, these behaviors can actually cause that experience to recur time and time again. The fears and hurt feelings only then grow and now become justified within your own mind as correct. This creates a cycle that you then feel unable to escape from in your romantic life.