Relationships are not a challenge or competition; the basis of a healthy romantic relationship is being able to put your partner’s needs and desires before your own. That’s some of why trust is so important between partners.
If you’re going to let someone into your life, to become truly deeply important to you and foster a healthy relationship, it’s necessary that you care for them strongly, and vice-versa. Pride is, by its nature, going to stunt that and always place yourself before them. There’s an upper limit to how close, how “in love” you can get with that mindset. There’s a limit to unity with that mindset.
Wisdom in relationships is deeply important. Being aware of how you’re doing and if your partner really does want the best for you. Being aware of your own well-being, and knowing if you need to have a difficult conversation with them. But the goal there is always to move towards a relationship of trust and selflessness in a healthy, supportive manner. That’s what makes a relationship last; that’s what is always reflected in the best stories of love and romance since the beginning of time.
TL;DR - Relationships need trust, need some level of self-sacrifice/devotion, and only progress by letting go of self-pride while becoming something better.
