Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
The couple reflected on their first year as husband and wife in Luis's YouTube channel.
One of the things Jessy reflected on was how much her approach to the relationship had changed through the years.
Jessy was quick to admit that she was “immature” during the start of her relationship with Luis, or "Howhow," their pet name for each other.
She said in the March 1 vlog, "Bago tayo ikasal—or even nung bago pa relationship natin—I would always compare myself sa iyo, yung achievements ni Howhow.
"Siyempre, hindi naman din joke yung negativity na natanggap natin nung nagsimula relationship natin, di ba?
"And even the impact sa career ko, medyo, alam mo yun? Medyo nabahiran ng masamang image.
"Dumating din talaga sa point na parang ako nagkaroon ng wake-up call na feeling ko, parang sobrang immature ko."
Jessy elaborated that her immature mindset led her to keep comparing her career to Luis's, which didn't help the relationship.
She continued, "May mga moments na, 'Bakit siya ganoon, 'tapos ako hindi?' May mga ganoon e, di ba?
"Ngayon, that's what I’ve learned, na siyempre iba yung journey mo, iba yung journey ko. Iba yung path mo, iba yung path ko, but we also have a journey together."
Read: Luis Manzano reveals he and wife Jessy Mendiola have no prenup agreement
Before, Jessy thought it was best if her path “intertwined” with Luis's. But as Jessy learned more and more that comparison was not helpful, she realized the value of "individuality" in a relationship.
"To all married couples, or kahit mag-boyfriend-girlfriend kayo, you have to still value that individuality. Like ako, dumating talaga sa point na parang feeling ko dapat naka-intertwine sa iyo yung path ko.
"Mag-asawa tayo o mag-boyfriend-girlfriend tayo, yung mundo ko, ginawa kong siya. And dapat yung mundo niya, nandoon ako lagi.
"But then, it's not always like that. You have to be independent also. You have to do your own thing and you have to find your path, di ba, and purpose."
Speaking from experience, Jessy advised viewers to be mindful when these comparison thoughts arise.
"Kapag may ganoong kayong feeling sa isang relationship, like, 'Bakit siya ganoon, 'tapos ako hindi,' you have to take a step back. Kailangan mo kausapin yung sarili mo, like, 'Bakit nga ba iyan yung nararamdaman ko?'
"Kasi, you know, medyo nagsa-suffer yung support mo for your partner kapag ganoon ka mag-isip.
"Like, ako na realize ko, bakit ko kinu-compare yung sarili ko kay Howhow? Even si Howhow, he feels bad kasi parang hindi ko siya sinusuportahan.
"Doon ko na-realize, behind Howhow's success, I was there too…”
When Jessy let go of her immature mindset, the actress saw how it improved her relationship with Luis.
"Madadala sa ibang level yung relationship niyo. Parang na kayo best friends, mag-asawa, boyfriend-girlfriend, partners sa lahat."
Watch: Celebrity weddings of 2021 | PEP Yearender
Luis and Jessy tied the knot on February 21, 2021. They became a couple in 2016.