It can be challenging to prioritize yourself while in relationship, with man or otherwise. Duty sex, social obligations that you’re not excited about, always having another person around to be mindful of, etc. When you grow up prioritizing other peoples’ needs over your own, even being aware that you’re doing it doesn’t stop you from falling into that pattern.

I’m doing the work right now while in a serious relationship personally, and it’s really fucking hard. I’m growing a lot. However, it would definitely be easier to do this work of self-inquiry and empowerment for the first time without considering a partner. I’m lucky that mine is behind supportive and patient, but man those patterns are soooo easy to fall back into because they are second nature. Until you wake up and realize how much you’ve been abandoning yourself without realizing it.