All too often we get sucked into the common stereotypes that women are single and unhappy. We’re either too focused on our careers to care about a guy, or we have some horrible flaw that eventually will be fixed by the ‘right’ guy in our lives. Well, for those of us living in the real world, we know that these stereotypes aren’t true. We can have careers we enjoy as well as a thriving social life, and our flaws are something we learn to embrace or fix ourselves.
When we don’t follow the path that has been laid out for us, we might feel like we’ve done something wrong. If we haven’t found our spouse after we’ve gone to college and worked for a bit, there has to be something wrong with us. We’re expected to grow up, get married, settle down, and create a family of our own.
For many of us, this isn’t how the story goes. We haven’t found the right person to marry not because we aren’t desirable, but because we just haven’t met them yet. Or, we are content to be where we are, and being in a relationship doesn’t change the base level of happiness we have with our lives.
Of course, it can be difficult to sit on the side lines while your friends and family members begin to be married off one by one. As someone who has been a bridesmaid multiple times and who still isn’t married, I feel that pain. However, I also don’t want to rush into a relationship I’m not supposed to be in just because it’s what other people are telling me to do.
The pressure we put ourselves under is often stronger than the pressure from other people telling us where we should be in our lives. We often feel undesirable because we think we should have been married or found someone special to be in a relationship with by now. By taking a step back you can see where you have been pressuring yourself to fit in a box that your life isn’t meant to fit in.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have goals or expectations for our lives- rather, it means that we accept where we are, and work towards being the kind of person who could thrive in a relationship a bit further on down the road. By investing in yourself and what makes you happy, you focus your intentions on another person who could eventually come in and compliment your life, rather than take it over entirely.
Remember, it’s not desperate or needy to want to be in a relationship. Just remember to let life happen, and to let people and love come into your life without forcing it. You are enough for someone else, and you are enough to make yourself happy, too.
I must disagree with the notion that being single is inherently better than being in a relationship. There are plenty of fulfilling partnerships out there! The author seems to ignore the benefits of love and companionship for personal growth.
I absolutely loved this article! It beautifully captures the essence of modern womanhood. We can be independent and still desire love. Embracing our flaws and not conforming to societal expectations is so empowering. Keep spreading this positivity!
‘Just let life happen’? Really? That’s great advice if you enjoy playing the waiting game! Meanwhile, some of us are out here Googling ‘how to find love before I turn into a cat lady.’ Thanks for nothing!
‘You are enough’—a nice slogan but let’s be real; sometimes we just want pizza more than a partner! This article feels like it’s trying too hard to uplift when really, we all have different priorities and cravings!
While I get the point, this post seems overly optimistic. Not everyone is going to find happiness in being single or waiting for love. Some of us just feel lonely, and that’s okay too! It’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
This article sheds light on a crucial topic: societal pressure regarding relationships. It’s informative to see how these expectations can lead to feelings of inadequacy among women. Self-acceptance should be prioritized over traditional milestones.
‘Let love come into your life without forcing it’—so true! But why does no one mention how awkward it gets at weddings when you’re the only single one left? It’s like being an extra in someone else’s rom-com!
Right? At this point, I might just bring my pet goldfish as my plus one next time; at least he listens better than most people!
Exactly! And then they ask if you’ve met anyone special lately as if you’re hiding a secret relationship under your bed or something!
‘You are enough’? That sounds lovely until reality hits during family gatherings where everyone asks about your dating life! At this point, I’m considering making up a boyfriend just for dinner conversations—any suggestions?