Dating & Relationship Glossary: 30+ Must-Know Terms

Boundaries

Definition: The personal, emotional “lines” that define where your responsibility and autonomy begin and end. Healthy boundaries allow you to act from your own values without invading others’ space or needing their approval.

Locus of Control

The degree to which someone feels in control of their own life. An internal locus fosters self-reliance, whereas an external locus often involves feeling at the mercy of people or events.

Self-Illusions / Crowns

Definition: Inflated Ego (Grandiose Self-Perception) Overestimating one’s importance to others—akin to a balloon easily popped by reality. “Deflating” this inflated ego means recognizing you’re not the center of everyone’s world.

Focus of Attention (Self vs. Others)

Definition: Where you direct mental/emotional energy. A healthy balance between Self-Focus and Other-Focus is essential for strong relationships without sacrificing your own needs.

King & Queen / Feminine & Masculine / Super Ego & ID

Definition: Rational Mind & Emotional Impulse Symbolic archetypes representing logic and structure (Rational Mind) vs. emotions and spontaneity (Emotional Impulse). Harmonizing both fosters a balanced, authentic self.

Resources

Definition: Foundational domains—like health, finances, love, family—divided into personal (inner) and social (outer) categories. Balancing and developing these resources fosters overall well-being.

Social Status & Emotional Impact

Definition:

• • Social Status (objective): Visible, quantifiable traits (wealth, attractiveness, education).
  • Emotional Impact (subjective): How deeply someone matters to another person, shaped by personal feelings and mutual experiences.