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Time can really add perspective when it comes to your past relationship mistakes. In the moment, we often say or do the thing we believe is right. But when we look back ten years down the line, we realize we were the problem.
A guy has surprised people by popping up online a decade after complaining bitterly that his girlfriend dresses like a princess. At the time, the then 24-year-old spoke of how he’d asked his SO to tone down her over-the-top fashion choices, admitting that it made him “uncomfortable” when people stared. She later blind-sided him with an unexpected break-up. Fast forward to today, and the now-married man has had a change of heart.
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She loved dressing like a princess but it left her boyfriend feeling “uncomfortable”
Woman in a pink princess dress holding blooming branches, evoking princess syndrome in a natural outdoor setting
Stop trying to change other people and focus on yourself instead: advice from the experts
Trying to change your partner is a waste of everyone’s time. If you can’t accept them for the person they are, and the person you initially fell in love with, you might be better off alone – or finding someone else who is more compatible.
“When we attempt to mold our loved ones into what we think they ‘should’ be, we are essentially communicating that we do not accept them as they are. This breeds resentment, damages trust, and undermines the very foundation of the relationship,” warns the Olive Leaf Therapy site.
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The experts add that when you’re trying to change someone, it often involves some degree of emotional manipulation, like nagging, criticizing, or using guilt and shame as leverage.
“These tactics might produce temporary compliance, but they erode the sense of autonomy, mutual respect, and safety/security that are essential for a thriving partnership,” the site explains.
Many mental health experts suggest focusing on your own personal growth instead of fighting to change another person.
“The life you crave is built from tiny, consistent steps—not from waiting for someone else to become the person you wish they were,” writes Danielle Dowling, psychologist, life coach and author. She adds that people change on their own timeline, and not yours. “It’s not fair to either of you to wait for someone to grow into the partner you want,” Dowling says.
The Olive Leaf Therapy team says as part of your own personal growth and development, you should learn to build healthy relationship boundaries without losing your sense of curiosity and understanding. They explain this as taking responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and communicating your needs and boundaries clearly and compassionately.
“It means cultivating acceptance, empathy, and an ongoing genuine curiosity about your partner’s unique perspective and experience,” elaborates the site. “When we let go of the need to control our partner’s actions and embrace them as they are, something remarkable happens. The relationship has space to breathe and evolve organically. Couples are able to have honest, vulnerable conversations about their hopes, fears, and areas of disconnect, and work together to find mutually satisfying solutions.”
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The experts say often, when someone is constantly frustrated by their partner’s perceived flaws, they’re failing to see their own role in the dynamic. She suggests asking yourself questions like, “What are my underlying relationship expectations? Where do I feel the need for control? How might I be engaging in emotional manipulation, even if unconsciously?”
Change is inevitable and we all change, to some degree, as we grow.
“By shifting your focus inward and committing to your own personal development, you open the door to a more fulfilling, authentic partnership – one built on mutual respect, acceptance, and a deep appreciation for each other’s unique qualities,” advises the site.
The guy surprised many people by appearing with an update 10 years later
Text on white background reading a guy reminisces on ex-GF’s princess syndrome 10 years after breakup reflecting on his loss.
Text excerpt reflecting a guy reminiscing on a breakup 10 years ago involving his ex-GF’s princess syndrome.
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Man and young girl wearing princess tiaras, smiling and showing affectionate moment, highlighting princess syndrome concept.
Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing princess syndrome in teenagers and a user reflecting on the topic years later.
Comment on a forum post reflecting on a 9-year update about a relationship with princess syndrome and personal realization.
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Screenshot of an online comment where a user reflects on happiness after a breakup involving princess syndrome.
Man reflecting thoughtfully, symbolizing a guy reminiscing on ex-girl's princess syndrome years after breakup.
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User comment text about growth and learning from past relationships shared on social media about princess syndrome and breakup.
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Alt text: Online comment reflecting on personal growth and lessons learned from a past relationship with princess syndrome.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing personal growth and empathy after a breakup involving princess syndrome.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment reflecting on growth and lessons learned from a past relationship with princess syndrome.
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Screenshot of a Reddit comment where a guy reflects on his ex-girlfriend's interests causing relationship issues.
Reddit user reflecting on growth and change 10 years after breakup, discussing ex-GF’s princess syndrome and personal loss realization.
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Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."
Robyn is an award-winning journalist who has produced work for several international media outlets. Made in Africa and exported to the world, she is obsessed with travel and the allure of new places. A lover of words and visuals, Robyn is part of the Bored Panda writing team. This Panda has two bamboo tattoos: A map of Africa & the words "Be Like The Bamboo... Bend Never Break."
"She said something about me being controlling too, but I don't think that's the case at all".....says the controlling guy who declares that he loves her the way she is but wants her to change how she dresses for him....yeah this boy isn't right in the head. Glad she dumped him.
"She said something about me being controlling too, but I don't think that's the case at all".....says the controlling guy who declares that he loves her the way she is but wants her to change how she dresses for him....yeah this boy isn't right in the head. Glad she dumped him.
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