There is an undeniable, intoxicating rush to falling in love. In the early stages, the world narrows down to just the two of you. Schedules merge, favorite spots become “our” spots, and playlists blend into a shared soundtrack. It feels magical, transcendent, and effortless.

Yet, lurking beneath the romance is a subtle, often unintentional trap: the gradual erosion of personal identity. In the pursuit of “we,” it is easy to accidentally misplace the “I.” You might find yourself dropping weekend hobbies, drifting away from friends, or adopting your partner’s preferences as your own. But true intimacy does not require you …