So you are feeling down about not being in a relationship. Whether it is because you are a hopeless romantic or just cannot stand being single, we have all been there. Here are 3 important things to remember to keep you from wallowing in self pity as you watch your friends getting cuffed:
- The grass is always greener on the other side.
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Compared to the single life, being in a relationship may seem so much better. But it might not be as exhilarating and perfect as you’d expect. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Relationships require hard work and sacrifice. A healthy relationship shouldn’t feel like it’s draining you, but you have to be ready and willing to care for your significant other the same way you expect them to care for you. You have to want to grow with and protect them. And yes, this is all worth it for the right person. But keep in mind that although relationships can be incredible, they are not perfect. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, and sometimes you won’t. Not every moment will make you feel like you’re in Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video.
- You are enough.
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Have you ever felt like you needed someone to go to the movies with you? Eat at a restaurant with you? Or thought to yourself, “I wish I had a significant other to do that with”? Well, you definitely don’t need a significant other to fully enjoy these experiences. Look around. There are already so many meaningful people and elements that exist in your life. And above all, you have yourself. Before relying on someone else, it’s essential to create fun experiences by yourself. Step out of your comfort zone by independently doing things you have always wanted to do. Draw happiness and contentment from within. If a relationship doesn’t work out, you’re left with yourself. And you need to be more than okay with that. A significant other shouldn’t be someone you need to complete you. They should be an additional amazing part of your life, not the amazing part that becomes your life. What you already have is enough. You are enough.
- You do you, boo.
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And last but not least, other people shouldn’t influence you. So what if your parents keep asking when you’re bringing someone home? So what if your best friend just got a new beau? Don’t feel pressured to jump into a relationship. You have your whole life to do that. It’s completely okay to be single right now and focus on yourself. Don’t stress about something that actually isn’t that big of a deal. It’s only as important as you make it out to be.
The overall takeaway from this? It’s okay to recognize that a relationship would be a nice thing to have, but the sorrow should stop there. You don’t have to feel like it’s the only thing that can give your life meaning. You’re single and doing just fine. Don’t worry.