It’s been three years since I’ve had a serious relationship. Sure, I’ve dated a few guys here and there, but none of them have come close to being “The One.” Instead of sulking around, I’ve used this time to really solidify who I am, and I finally realized that while a relationship with someone else is great, the only relationship I’ll ever truly NEED is the one I have with myself. Here’s why:
- I Know How To Make Myself Happy. I know exactly what I like and don’t like in love and relationships and in life as a whole. When I’m bored, I can happily go to a movie alone and I have no issue taking myself on a date. In fact, dates by myself are more fun that first dates with random strangers most of the time anyway, so it’s really a win-win. Not having a guy in my life doesn’t make me miserable because the only one who’s responsible for my happiness is me.
- I’ve Learned How To Totally Take Care Of Myself. In my friend group, I’ve become the person everyone comes to for advice because I have my act together. Whether they have questions about relationships, cooking, or how to build a desk, I try to be the one with the answers. I love feeling like I’m doing something with my time and it’s really fun to be the one everyone else comes to for help.
- I Don’t Care What Anyone Thinks. I have certain opinions and morals that will not change. My Prince Charming, whoever he may be, will have to accept me as I am from day one. That doesn’t mean I won’t be willing to compromise in the relationship, but that I’ll always be unapolgetically me. What you see is what you get with me, so if he doesn’t like it, he can move on.
- I’m Not As Scared Of The Unknown. Since learning to take care of myself, I’ve also realized that if I don’t meet the man I want to marry, at least I’ll know how to be happy. I love to travel, spend time with animals, play volleyball, and be around people. Single or married, that isn’t going to change, and knowing that I’ll still be satisfied even if I’m not married at 50 is a comforting thought.
- I Trust Myself 100%. I love that I never have to question myself. In a relationship, there can be elements of doubt or distrust. In my little world, I’m always honest with myself and never try to avoid reality for the sake of sparing my own feelings. You can’t exactly hide your true opinions from your own mind.
- I Love My Independence. Even though I do hope to find a partner to tackle life with one day, I really appreciate how independent I am. I know that this is something I can take into future relationships as well. I won’t always need a guy by my side — even when I have a boyfriend, I’ll continue to take on new projects and pursue hobbies on my own. Just because we can share everything doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to.
- My Relationship Is Always Changing. I’m never bored because I know there’s always room to improve myself and grow as a human being. Just like in a relationship with another person, life happens and I have to know how to continuously take care of myself. I’m not the same person as I was four years ago, and that’s not a bad thing!
- Partnerships Become Less Of A Necessity Over Time. I used to think I would be a failure if I wasn’t married by 25 with kids on the horizon. Now I realize that while being married sounds great to me, it by no means determines how successful I am as a person. I can become the CEO of a company if I want. Women who work full-time are just as incredible as full-time moms and wives. There is no right or wrong, and that’s a comfort.
- I Know A Relationship Is A Choice. We all have moments when we forget that a relationship is a choice to stay fully vested in. Relationships aren’t always rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes it’s like walking on hot coals, but if it’s worth it both people usually find a way to make it work. It’s good to know that making it work is a choice and that I’ll never be 100% reliant on my significant other.
