A simple look at any social media app will show you that our society views being in a relationship as the ultimate goal. We are bombarded with posts about soulmates, quotes concerning true love, and photos of all the happy couples around the world.
All of this can make us think we’re not good enough if we’re single. That we have something more to achieve before we’re considered successful. After all, how can we be truly happy if we’re not in a loving relationship? Right?
Well, there are plenty of things you have to learn before you get into a relationship — and you won’t be able to do that if you get into one too quickly.
So, here are six things you should learn before you get into a relationship.
1. You’ll learn what you’re looking for.
Getting into a relationship before knowing what you’re looking for can make you settle for things you’re not looking for. For example, if you don’t know you simply cannot be with someone who doesn’t like to spend time in nature, you may waste your time on a relationship without a future.
Of course, you can always learn that through trial and error. But being on your own for some time without being attached to someone else can teach you what you can accept and what you’re absolutely not willing to compromise on.
2. You’ll learn how to be happy on your own.
We can often get caught up in the euphoric feelings of being in love and put all our happiness in our partner. While our better half should absolutely make us joyful, relying on them for happiness is destructive.
You can’t expect one person to be the source of your absolute happiness. If you do, your relationship can become one-sided and overbearing. And nothing else could bring you joy if you were to break up with your partner.
So, it’s important to find things that make you happy that have nothing to do with any potential romantic partner.
3. You’ll mature and grow.
Getting into a relationship before you’re ready will help you grow as an individual. Now, I’m not saying you can’t grow while in a relationship, but you have more time and space to explore who you are when you’re single.
Learning about your dreams, desires, wishes, aspirations, and plans that don’t include a partner is crucial for self-growth and improvement.
So give yourself time to become a whole person before becoming one half of a couple.
4. You’ll have time to be independent.
Being in a relationship can limit your independence, impacting what you do with your free time. (You can definitely be independent in a relationship, but you need to remember that you’re committed to someone, which affects your whole life.)
When you’re single, you have all the time to do everything you’ve ever wanted. So, create a bucket list, find hobbies, make friends, and fulfill your dreams. After all, being single isn’t forever, so make the most out of it.
5. You’ll avoid getting into wrong relationships.
Knowing yourself and your worth is important to avoid falling for the wrong people. You’ll be more aware of what you want and what you expect to have in a romantic relationship.
While many teen girls dream about falling for a bad boy, it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. So, being able to spot red flags and issues that can turn into ones can save you lots of precious time with the wrong person.
6. You’ll have your own experiences.
It’s incredible to create experiences with your perfect partner. But you shouldn’t have every first time with your significant other.
It’s good to have your own experiences before you get into a relationship. You can definitely go to the movies, practice yoga, or pick up a new hobby alone.
Plus, this will give you something to talk about with your partner in the future. Being your own person with distinct experiences is one of the best ways to ensure that your relationship remains strong and interesting.
Contrary to what social media tells you, being alone isn’t something that needs to be ‘fixed.’ We’re all single at certain points in our lives, and it can be a wonderful time of self-discovery.
What are some of your favorite things about being single? Let’s share in the comments.
Featured image via Allef Vinicius on Unsplash
Understanding the importance of being alone before getting into a relationship is vital for personal growth and happiness. Natalie Trznadel’s article highlights several key lessons that individuals should learn to ensure they are truly ready for a relationship. One essential aspect is knowing what you are looking for in a partner, which can prevent you from settling for less than you deserve. Additionally, finding happiness on your own is crucial, as relying solely on a partner for joy can lead to a one-sided and unhealthy relationship. If you’re balancing personal growth with academic goals, I recently readhere https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/discovering-paperdon-your-trusted-option-2024-mysupergeek-z9v4e/?trackingId=aaMBO44mTaWKK4bts4yd6g%3D%3D review that tells about useful tools for students. Striving for independence, avoiding wrong relationships, and having unique experiences are all part of the journey to becoming a whole person. Remember, being single is not something that needs to be fixed, but rather a time to cherish and use for self-discovery. What are some of your favorite things about being single? Share your thoughts in the comments!
When you’re comfortable being alone, you develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. You learn to rely on yourself for happiness, fulfillment, and problem-solving, rather than seeking validation or solutions solely from a partner.