Perhaps you’ve recently gone through a breakup. Now, you’re wondering how to navigate life on your own. Maybe you’ve been single for a while now. You’re tired of dealing with prying questions. Part of you still feels like you’re waiting for your life to begin when you meet a partner. Yet another part of you wants to stop chasing a goal that you can’t control.
It can be tough to find confidence as a single person, especially when there is such strong social pressure to be in a relationship. At times, it can seem like people would rather see you settle for the wrong person than wait to meet someone compatible. Here’s how to let go of this outdated perspective and find fulfillment in singlehood.
Setting Conversational Boundaries
Remember, you do not have to engage with people who make derogatory comments about your single status. If someone questions why you’re still single, you can change the subject and talk about something else. You don’t have to answer people who hound you about being single. It’s okay to make an excuse and physically walk away from the conversation. It’s still viewed as socially acceptable to ask people why they’re single. But it’s invasive and impolite, and you have no obligation to answer.
Personalizing Your Space
Expressing yourself authentically in different aspects of your life can help you embrace the upsides of singlehood. When you don’t live with a partner, you have the chance to customize your living space. What if you have a roommate or live with family? If you’ve got a room to yourself, it’s all yours to personalize! Get creative, and let your imagination run wild.
Enjoying Your Own Hobbies
When you’re single, your free time is all yours. Maybe you’ve recently found yourself waiting for other people to invite you to events. It’s time to start being proactive instead! You might want to sign up for classes for new hobbies, join a local meetup group to make new friends, or pick out an activity that you’d like to try solo. As a single person, you do not have to share your time with a partner. By taking advantage of this, you can expand your social life while learning new things.
Making the Most of Your Time
Your free time isn’t just for hobbies. You can also choose how you spend your downtime. If you’d prefer to spend hours reading on the weekends, you don’t have to compromise with a partner who would rather watch TV or play video games. It’s up to what time you go to bed, what you’d like to eat for dinner, and whether you’d rather go out or stay in on a given night. During the holiday season, you can attend gatherings with your own family and friends instead of trying to balance out invitations with a partner.
Recognizing Your Strengths
There’s no denying that being single comes with challenges, like paying bills on one income and dealing with home and car maintenance issues on your own. But handling these challenges as a single person can show you just how capable you are and strengthen your sense of self-worth. When you realize that you’re able to overcome obstacles on your own, you won’t be tempted to give the wrong person a chance. Instead, you’ll be able to thrive as a single person and recognize when a potential partner adds value to your life.
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Are you struggling with anxiety about trying to find a partner? An anxiety therapist can help you find joy in your single life. Call or email us, or fill out our contact form, to schedule a session.