Love

The Truth Is, I Think I'm Happier Single

Photo: Mariia Boiko / Shutterstock
woman drinking wine

By Natalie Trznadel

We live in a society that views being in a relationship as the end goal and deems being single lonely and isolated. The idea of soulmates and finding your "better half" is ever present — we hear it from our friends and see it on social media.

So, it’s no wonder that we start believing it.

But being in a relationship shouldn’t be the ultimate goal. You shouldn’t have a partner just for the sake of having one or appeasing the social norms.

Instead, you should strive to find someone who makes you genuinely happy and fulfilled. And if you haven’t found that person yet, stay single.

RELATED: 7 Amazing Things I’ve Been Able To Experience Because I’m Single

Personally, I think I’m happier single for the time being.

There’s so much misconception about being single. Just because I’m alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely; after all, you can be pretty lonely around a lot of people.

And no, it’s not for the lack of opportunities or socialization. And it’s not because I dislike romantic relationships.

Quite the contrary — I love being in a relationship. But as I’ve grown and matured, I realized what I want and deserve, and no one like that has crossed my path as of yet. And that’s OK.

I’m perfectly alright with taking my time to find "the one," if they even exist. So, for now, I will take my time and enjoy my life.

At this point in my life, being in a relationship is the last thing I think about.

RELATED: 7 Reasons Being Single Makes You Healthier, Says Study

I have so many things going on that keep me busy. So, for me to get into a relationship, I’d have to cross paths with someone who makes me better and grows with me.

I don’t have the time and energy to deal with someone else’s drama that creeps its way into my life. Been there, done that. Never again.

Now, I’m not saying I will never be in a relationship — it’s just not my time for now. So, for now, I’m happy on my own.

I’m growing, learning, maturing, and evolving. I’m figuring out what I want, and I’m working on myself. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t have time to cultivate a committed relationship.

A successful relationship requires work that I don’t think I have time for right now.

RELATED: The Best Part Of Being Single Is Knowing Nobody's Cheating On You

I don’t have it in me to check in with someone, learn all their quirks, and develop a deep connection.

I firmly believe that you have to work on your relationship each and every day to keep it going. So, I’m being realistic in saying that I don’t want or need that right now.

I don’t want to give someone hope and then let them down. It’s not fair, and I won’t do it.

Now, I know what everyone’s thinking: You’ll change your mind when you meet the right person. You’re right. You’re absolutely right.

But for now, I’m going to enjoy my single life because it’s awesome. And I advise everyone else to do the same.

RELATED: 40 Single Quotes: Why Being Single Is The Best

Natalie Trznadel is a photographer, traveler, and writer and editor for Unwritten. Her work has appeared on Thought Catalog, Unwritten, and YourTango, focusing on lifestyle and relationship topics. Visit her author profile for more.

This article was originally published at Unwritten. Reprinted with permission from the author.