
Close couples often develop a strong sense of we-ness.
They may think about shared goals, mutual responsibilities, and decisions in terms of what benefits the relationship.
But healthy interdependence doesn't necessarily require abandoning independent interests or identities.
People can simultaneously think in terms of “me,” “you,” and “us.”
Problems can emerge when one of those categories completely consumes the others.
Being a team and remaining two separate people aren't contradictory.
© Journal of Social and Personal Relationships