🕊️ As we approach Passover, I want to talk about something meaningful: the freedom to be authentic in your relationship.

Being authentic means feeling free to be yourself.
When we constantly please or pretend, that’s not authenticity. It might keep the relationship on life support for a while—but it’s not sustainable, and it doesn’t nourish true connection.

That said, many people confuse authenticity with bluntly “telling the truth,” even when it’s harsh or hurtful. But that’s not what authenticity really is either.

So what is authenticity? And how can we be true to ourselves within a relationship?

💭 It’s a deep question—one that can’t be answered fully in a single post. But if this message gets you to start thinking about it, that’s already a big step forward.

To be authentic, we need to feel safe—physically and emotionally.
Many of us (myself included) didn’t grow up in environments that offered this kind of safety. Out of a survival instinct, we learned to minimize our needs or avoid being a burden on our parents. In doing so, we began to lose touch with our authentic selves.

Fast forward to adulthood—we enter relationships still carrying those same patterns. We’re not fully ourselves. But now, as grown-ups, a part of us gets frustrated. That part wants more authenticity. It needs it. And yet, our nervous system only knows how to allow a certain level of vulnerability. This internal conflict often plays out in the relationship.

So how do we move toward authenticity?

Here are some practices that can help:

✨ Build self-awareness
✨ Reconnect with your body—notice how it feels and what it needs (without expecting your partner to fulfill it all)
✨ Move your body—physical activity builds inner safety and clarity
✨ Create safer spaces for expression. Don’t rush to solve things—sometimes expressing is the solution
✨ Make time for connection: even one hour a week of shared time can go a long way
✨ Practice kindness and compassion—especially toward yourself. What you practice grows 🌱

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Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Passover 🕯️
May this season inspire you to reconnect with the most authentic version of yourself.

If this resonates and you’re longing for deeper connection or more freedom to be you in your relationship—I’d be honored to support you. 💛
Feel free to reach out for a consultation or to learn more about couples therapy.

—Ronit Haase
Individual & Couples Therapist
Ra’anana & Online