Wth is being in relationship but should be independent?

I think for most, it's being able to do things on your own without having to constantly be with each other. It's a common sentiment for the current age where many couples are two people working towards individual goals rather than a shared vision. They are together for companionship, but not necessarily to work towards the same vision.

For some, they have just been burned by people they feel are too clingy. Like the type of person that doesn't let them hang out with friends or engage in personal hobbies by themselves.

Context and background knowledge tend to be important for determining what the person is actually trying to get at.