Love comes in many different forms, but you should never be content with it when it’s only given halfway. True, whole love is worth waiting and working for, so if you’re settling for anything less, this is why you should raise the bar:
- There’s no shame in setting standards. It’s perfectly acceptable to be clear about what you want. I don’t mean a checklist that sets out the eye color and profession you’re looking for in your forever person, but real standards. Look for someone who will treat you as his equal — someone who considers your dreams to be just as valuable as his own.
- Fate has nothing to do with it. We tend to hang a lot on fate. I’m no different, really: I believe that some things are meant to be and some aren’t. But you can’t blame fate for the way you’re holding on to something you’ve convinced yourself is real. Fate will have you crossing paths with a lot of eligible “soulmates” out there. It’s your call to hold on to the one that gives you the real deal and let go of the half-hearted loves.
- You have to believe in the real deal. A little faith goes a long way. Don’t discount real love by not believing that it’s attainable for someone like you. Believe in yourself a little. Don’t lose hope in what you want, and don’t settle for something that just doesn’t cut it. Go out there and get the real thing.
- It’s not worth the energy. Life is precious and yes, short. Don’t waste precious energy on someone who doesn’t prioritize you or gives you less than you deserve. A half-hearted love will drain you, but real love will give you energy. You’ll practically be radiating happiness.
- You have better things to do with your time. Time waits for no one, and it sure as hell won’t wait for you. So stop justifying your half-hearted love with the fact that what you have is fine for now. Stop wasting your time; make the most of what you get and stop looking for the perfect moment, the right time. The opportune moment is now, so use it to search for someone who will give you the kind of love you deserve.
- You deserve more than “just enough.” If you have to convince yourself and those who know you that you’re happy, maybe you’re not as happy as you could be. Don’t settle for a love that’s “enough.” You can have so much more, and why shouldn’t you? This is your life and your love life for that matter. Own it.
- A whole-hearted love is so much better. Half-hearted love can’t compare to whole-hearted love. Once you know what true love feels like, you could never settle for anything less. It’s usually those of us who know nothing better that end up holding onto less than they deserve. And if we don’t know any different, who can blame us? So go out there and learn what real love looks like. Don’t look towards the movies — look at the real life examples around you. It’s real, and it’s out there. Know what it looks like, then go get your own.
- Change shouldn’t be feared. Change is inevitable when it comes to love. People change, needs change, and yes, our expectations of love will also change. Maybe your relationship was once everything you wanted. But now that you know the love it contained wasn’t enough, you’ve learned to want more. Your heart will want change, and you’ll begin craving a love that’s more substantial; that can only happen if you change the relationship you’re in right now.
- The risk is worth it. When it comes to love, it doesn’t pay to play it safe. Be a little brave and find enough courage to want a love that’s more than what’s merely sufficient. Leave behind your average relationship to make something whole and worthwhile.
- You’ll find someone who’s looking for the same thing. It might take a while, but eventually, you’ll find someone who, like you, refuses to accept anything less than true love. Get out there and look for someone whose standards are as high as yours. If you spend your time with someone who wants the same kind of passion and chemistry from a relationship that you do, you’ll finally realize why it was such a great idea to stop settling and start aiming higher when it comes to love.
