I’ve always been a fiercely independent woman. I like to overcome obstacles on my own, I’m stubborn as hell, and I like it that way. Despite my outlook on life, however, I really don’t like the single life. I see the benefits of living life for me, but I’ve always preferred having someone else by my side.
- Independence and isolation aren’t the same thing. When I think of an independent woman, I imagine a hard-working, self-aware individual that knows what she wants out of life. I think a lot of people have a different picture in mind. I thrive off of good company and I don’t feel like myself after being alone for long stretches of time. That doesn’t make me any less independent, it just means I prefer not to be alone.
- “We time” is more important than “me time.” I’m all about self-care and taking the time to do the things I love, but nothing makes me happier than sharing special moments with another person. I come from a huge family so I definitely value my personal time, but it’s also taught me to appreciate being with the people I care about most. I value my time alone, and I may need it more than other people, but I still love the company of a special someone.
- I feel less independent when I’m single. I know this may sound strange, but it’s true. When I’m single, I feel particularly needy and I feel like I’m always bugging my friends and family for attention. When I’m in a relationship, I feel more secure about myself, knowing that I’ve got a special someone to talk to any time I want. A part of being in a solid relationship is taking on the responsibility of caring and loving another person. I don’t think I’ve ever lost any of my independence from caring for another person.
- My guy understands my priorities. I will always look out for number one, aka me. This isn’t to say that I don’t put my guy first sometimes because I do. I just think it’s important to date a guy that appreciates my level of independence and knows when I need my space. I’m also the type of person that understands and respects my guy’s need for maintaining his independence. I don’t need to be up my guy’s ass all the time, and he certainly doesn’t need to be up mine.
- Leaning on another person is a sign of strength. As an independent person, it can be difficult to share my shortcomings with anyone. That said, I think being vulnerable with another human being is actually a sign of strength in my eyes. I know it sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but I’ve always thought that exposing your weaker side to another person shows a lot of courage.
- I love having someone to come home to. I love going out for a girls’ night, but I love coming home to my significant other just as much. I enjoy grabbing lunch by myself with a good book, but I like grabbing a bite to eat with my guy and having great conversation just as much. Life is all about balance. I can do my own thing and enjoy it, I just happen to prefer the company of my guy.
- I can’t take on the world alone. I can’t face everything the world throws at me by myself, and I shouldn’t be expected to. I can make important life decisions, make great strides at work, and stand up for myself when things take a turn for the worst, but I like having someone with me to pick up the pieces when it’s all said and done.
- I like the feeling of security I get from relationships. Just because I’m an independent, free-thinking woman doesn’t mean I don’t have my self-doubts and insecurities. Being in a good relationship makes me feel empowered in a way that being single never has. I love when my guy and I overcome obstacles together and better ourselves through our relationship.
- I like the give and take. I appreciate a man that understands his own limitations as well as I understand my own. There’s something really great about being in a relationship with a guy that goes out of his way to help me better myself and makes up for my own shortcomings.
- I get the best of both worlds. Being an independent woman in a relationship allows me to experience the joy of accomplishing things on my own and the satisfaction of knowing I’m with a guy that appreciates me for who I am. I don’t need validation from anyone when it comes to how I live my life, but I have to admit it feels great to be loved by someone that respects my choices.
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