Short-Term, Long-Term — Or Just Not Yet?
- Farshid Rashidifar
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
By Farshid Rashidifar (MSW. RSW. Psychotherapist)
April 10, 2025
Some people want something lasting. Others want something light. And many want both — just not at the same time.
In therapy, I often hear clients talk about feeling conflicted:They crave connection, but feel resistant to commitment.They want emotional depth, but fear becoming too dependent.They long to be seen — but also to stay free.
These aren’t contradictions. They’re signals of where someone is emotionally, developmentally, and relationally.
Long-term relationships often invite us into something deeper: shared growth, emotional safety, and future-oriented thinking. But they also demand patience, vulnerability, and the ability to navigate discomfort.
Short-term relationships can offer presence, playfulness, and fewer expectations. But for some, they come with uncertainty, ambiguity, or emotional distance.
There’s no right choice between the two — only the right choice for where you are right now.
In therapy, we don’t label one as better than the other. We help people clarify what they’re ready for, what they value, and how to communicate that with honesty — to themselves and their partners.
Because the healthiest relationships don’t begin with a timeline.They begin with emotional readiness.
If this reflection speaks to you and you’re considering a deeper exploration of your own relational patterns, you’re welcome to request a private consultation.
Farshid works with a small number of clients at a time. All inquiries are reviewed personally to ensure the focus and fit of the work are aligned.
Research Note:
This reflection is grounded in clinical practice and informed by psychological research. While specific studies, data, and models are not disclosed, the themes are drawn from contemporary academic literature and reinterpreted through a therapeutic lens.
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