Screw waiting to find the right guy to settle down and have kids—I can own my own house and start a family without needing to be in a relationship. Dating isn’t about finding my perfect future because I know I can do that on my own. The truth is, the men in my life are just for fun.
- I make my own money and pay my own rent. If I expected a man to fund my lifestyle, I’d have run into difficulty a while ago. Having my independence is so important, so I’ll always work to pay my own way even if I’m in a relationship where I don’t need to do so. Financial freedom gives me peace of mind that, whatever happens, I’ll always be able to stand on my own two feet.
- A relationship should never be about financial security. If you’re in a relationship for the money, what kind of partnership is that setting up? A man who pays your rent and buys your clothes has way too much control over you and your decisions. I don’t want to have to feel I owe anyone any favors, especially the person I’m sharing a bed with.
- I’ll never be dependent on a man for money. The minute I feel like I need a guy’s cash, I’ll know I’ve lost my freedom. Even if I’m in the happiest and most fulfilling relationship of my life, it’s impossible to predict what’s just around the corner. I wouldn’t be able to feel proud of my lifestyle or the home I lived in if I knew it was all funded by somebody else.
- Being in control of my finances gives me the freedom to do what I want. I’ve got used to living life on my own terms. From where I live to who stays in my house and how I spend my money, I enjoy having control over my finances and lifestyle. I don’t want to have to ask anyone’s permission before I book a holiday or move to a new area. If a guy wants me to fit neatly into his life plan, he’s got the wrong girl.
- I’d love to meet someone to raise a child with, but it’s not essential. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to shun romance at all costs, but I see it as a bonus, not a necessity. Of course I’m looking for love, but I’m not going to rush that decision based on the ticking time bomb that is my biological clock. Love will happen when it happens and if it’s after I’ve had kids, that doesn’t bother me.
- I’d rather have kids on my own than with the wrong person. If you rush into a relationship so that you can have kids when it suits, you risk being stuck with someone who isn’t right for you. I’d rather have kids by myself in a no strings attached way than have to be saddled with someone just because we created offspring together. It might sound unromantic, but knowing I can have kids by myself gives me the freedom not to settle when it comes to love.
- I don’t need a man for anything, but that doesn’t mean I can’t want one. I’m certain about the fact that I’ll never depend on a man for anything, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be in a happy relationship. If anything, he should be relieved that I’m not asking for any more from him than the time we spend together. A relationship built on mutual respect rather than what you can offer each other is far more likely to last.
- Dating is so freeing when you’re not looking for a long-term commitment. How often is a relationship undermined by the stress of whether or not it will lead to marriage? We put so much pressure on ourselves to find “The One” that we’ll stick it out in relationships that really aren’t right for us or end a blossoming romance prematurely because we haven’t felt enough of a spark by the third date. Love takes time, and knowing I can sort my own life out financially means that I’m in no hurry to rush the process.
- I’d never stay in a relationship for the sake of it. If you’re in a relationship for money or family, there’s always going to be a risk that you end up feeling trapped. As I have my independence, I’ll walk away from a relationship that doesn’t make me happy. I know that I want a family someday, but I’m strong enough to raise it by myself—anyone else would just be a bonus.
- Ultimately, dating is about having fun. Dating isn’t about marriage and babies, it’s about finding a connection with someone and seeing where it takes you. I know that when it comes to the big life decisions, I can make them on my own. Dating is just for fun.
