Overcoming the fear of being single
I was in a long term relationship for over two years by the time all was said and done. While it was incredibly sad to end things with someone I not only loved but who was also my best friend, something about this experience was different than other breakups. Usually, I mope around for weeks on end wondering why something so good had to come to an end. I also experience dread and fear over being single again, and the possibility of feeling lonely. However, after enough heartbreak, I guess I realized that when things aren’t meant to be, it’s impossible to force them. Rather than being upset that this chapter in my life has closed, I feel an overwhelming sense of excitement to begin a new journey with myself.
While breakups can feel isolating, I’m looking forward to all the things I can do without worrying about how my actions will affect my partner. Growing and learning on your own is a valuable experience that shouldn’t be taken for granted. A family member of mine once told me that your 20s are the time to be selfish. You only get to be young once, and there’s no point in spending the most formative years of your life being tied down to someone you’re not absolutely sure is “the one”. Let’s face it, while some meet their forever person in college, it’s unlikely that you’ll marry the first person you date.
Overall, I’m taking a new mindset about being single. I refuse to wait for love, but instead choose to focus on all of the amazing opportunities right in front of me that I might not have ever considered before. If you’re struggling with a breakup, just remember that while it’s okay to mourn what you’ve lost, it’s important to trust that you’re able to survive on your own. Societal norms make it seem like falling in love is the end goal, and that being in love is the only thing that will make you truly whole. In 2022, let’s not get ensnared in the lie that we aren’t enough on our own.