Hiralious

  Growing up, I heard the concept of a spouse being the 'Libaas' (clothing) of the other. Although I am non-religious, I see meaning in it. I see that when couples fall apart, each person says things about the other person that they would never have let anyone know when they wanted to stay together. Things like 'she has volatile temper' or that 'he talks shit about everyone behind their backs'. Now your perspective has changed, and you have a sense of other-ness about this person because of which , you are also able to see them as an individual with some very bad traits. When you are together, you are 'Libaas' for each other, covering the most hurtful, deeply annoying, offensive and vulgar attitudes just like a piece of clothing covers the unsightly parts of your body.

  I would not at all judge anyone who comes forward for support because they were mistreated by their partner. Let alone judging it as something wrong, I don't see it in a bad light at all. I don't support, even as an idea, accepting, supporting and making excuses for a person's bad behaviors just because they are your partner. And any fascination I have with the above mentioned idea, is solely about the fact that just as it is comforting for you to be sheltered by someone covering you up like a piece of clothing , the grand reveal of all of your deepest, ugliest scars is also possible when they choose not to stand in the way of you and the world.

 I see so many people lose a sense of identity when it is not validated by a partner's favorable, or at least protective view of them. It's the side effect of being emotionally open and vulnerable in front of anyone, or simply co-existing with them. I would say this side-effect is still acceptable, for a shot at love, and true companionship. For your own sanity, as an insurance policy for all the times you will have no one, you must know thyself so that you can steer through the turbulence of human relationships with a sense of integrity.