I don't think having a relationship is a sign of weakness but my Mom does. I think having a relationship would be a sign of strength. Just thought I would get some opinions.

DO you know how much strength it takes to keep breathing knowing that no one wants to be with you?

Think about it.

having and maintaining a relationship is a sign of strength, staying in a relationship that is detrimental to one or both parties(possibly a third party if children are involved) is weakness to a point it takes a great deal of strength to leave and abusive relationship, but it takes a great deal of strength to keep a good relationship going

I think that that is an odd thing for your mother to say. What are her reasons for believing that?

I'm wondering the same thing

Relationships take courage!

The real beauty is opening yourself up enough to allow another close enough to poke your wounds. It is where real healing can take place if both are aware beings...taking you both to higher levels of living.

Relationships can be growth oriented and strengthening ... or they can be destructive and locked in a battle of ego...

...but a sign of weakness? Never! Pay attention to what is being mirrored back to you - there are great learnings if we pay attention.

Considering our ages, being from the Bible Belt and all, and his mother from the pre-50s generation, it's probably a scriptural interpretation. It would be strength and sacrifice to choose to be alone.

i find it hard to generalize either side of that debate ..everyone's circumstances are different,but remember this when people give you their opinions its usually a judgement of their past experiences that they form their opinion from ..
and in the case of the elderly it could also be dementia or senility ..in other words form your own opinion and follow your heart ....

Strength

I think it is because she manages well by herself. For her it is a maturity thing I guess. I think it as as some have said on the forums one shouldn't need a relationship but want one. I guess she is saying I shouldn't have someone else to complete me.

I think it takes a strong person to be in a relationship... You have to go outside yourself a ton which doesnt come natural for most of us....I mean just being faithful to that person can get challenging in it self...Being single, I focus on just me, I know how to make me happy and thats not so challenging....love and relationships takes a lot of work...living for self is pretty dam easy, just my opinion....

me too

She is right in that we can't make it someone else's responsibility to complete us. That is our job. But you can share life with someone while maintaining responsibility for yourself. It is that need/want thing ...

beautifully worded

Sorry, hopefully I'll get this right this time
beautifully worded

It is only a sign of weakness if you are in a relationship with just anyone because you need to be with someone. A lot of women do this and maybe men do too. They'd rather be with someone who treats them like crap because they are too scared to be alone.

It is not a sign of weakness to be in a mutually respectful and loving relationship.

Hello and welcome to the site cary32

It can be a weakness or a strength depending on the relationship.

Oh it could definately be a really big sign of weakness. For example my mom told me this quote...

"If you can't find the one you love, settle for the one you're with' Psh I'm not settling for **** but that would be the weakness.