There was a time when I thought I’d be single forever. After going through a lot of heartbreak, I decided to just focus on myself for a while and build my life. Years passed; suddenly I met someone awesome and my entire life changed quickly. Now that I’m in a serious relationship, I see how much I’ve grown and how my single years helped prepare me for long-term love.
- I found out what it’s like to be truly independent. Independence is both exhilarating and exhausting. Being able to provide everything I need and want for myself is great, but it’s not easy. Having successfully done so for several years, I can cross that off my bucket list now and appreciate how nice it is to have a partner.
- I had plenty of time to work through my past heartbreak. The fact that I didn’t jump into another relationship for several years benefited me because I was able to leave all of my exes in the past (where they belong) before moving forward into the future. It wasn’t an easy road, but time heals all wounds.
- I experienced all the single life has to offer. Even though many of my experiences being single were terrible, I’m glad I had them because I never have to wonder what it’s like on the other side. I know exactly what it’s like to be single, and I hope I never know the feeling again.
- I had time to build my career in preparation for a family. When I look back at how far I’ve come career-wise in the last four years, it’s amazing. The life I’ve built for myself is also a great foundation on which to start a family. When I’m ready, I’ll be well prepared to give my future husband and kid(s) a great life.
- I experimented with casual sex and got it out of my system. Prior to my extended singledom, I’d never had casual sex, and everyone made it seem so fun. Naturally, I was curious, so I took the opportunity to experiment. Ultimately, I discovered that I’m too much of a romantic to enjoy casual sex. Having crossed that off my bucket list, I can happily stick to my amazing monogamous love-making.
- I’ve experienced the joy of living alone. I seriously love living alone, and I’m glad I didn’t jump right into another relationship or opt to live with roommates. Coming home at night and relaxing in my clean quiet apartment with a glass of wine is amazing; I still live alone and someday I’ll look back on this time with fondness when it’s gone.
- I was able to witness the power of love firsthand before it happened to me. During my single years, I saw almost all of my friends find love and start new families, even the ones who swore up and down they’d never walk up to another altar again. I was able to stand next to them on their respective wedding days and see firsthand how powerful love is. Because of that, I was able to start believing in love again, which really came in handy when it knocked on my door.
- I learned how to love myself first. It sounds like a cliche, but I really did need to learn how to love myself before I could effectively love someone else. My years of living independently gave me a new respect and love for myself, which allowed me to love someone else when the right one finally came along. I finally feel like I’ve come full circle, and I’m ready for my next adventure: forever.
