As a hopeless romantic, I can definitely say that relationships are generally pretty great. They’re fun, exciting and can even make you a better person. However, relationships also take a lot of effort, and unfortunately, not everyone gets to experience that kind of fairytale relationship from the movies (sigh). In fact, several studies have shown that more and more people today are choosing to be single. The truth is, relationships aren’t for everyone! While social media and pop culture would have you believing that single people are all looking for their other half, many people have other priorities. So, if you’re currently coupled up with someone, but you’re still not sure where you stand, these are some signs that you’re probably better off alone. As for the singles, these might be signs that you’re on the right track!
You find yourself enjoying life better when you’re alone
Here’s a question: Would you rather travel the world by yourself or with a partner? If you find yourself only saying yes to the first part, you’d probably enjoy going solo rather than in a pair. But this also includes doing activities by yourself, such as eating, shopping, going to concerts, sex, and hitting a bar with your friends. If you find yourself enjoying your own company more than your significant other’s, this is a big sign (duh).
You feel like you need to be alone to be who you really are
According to TEDx speaker Jill Sherer Murray, one key indicator that you’re happier single is when the thought of being alone feels better than being with someone else, including physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’d rather be doing anything or anywhere else than with your partner at this point. Sure, some people just need a little more time to open up to their partner, but for others, this feeling is permanent, and that’s perfectly normal!
You’re more focused on your professional life compared to anything else
If you’re at the stage of life where you prioritize your career goals over everything else in life, you may be happier single. Since you’ve got your eyes on the prize, you might not want to be distracted by anything or anyone, and if you’re single, you might even be grateful to not have a person taking up your time and attention, since you would have more time to focus on stuff you actually care about. But of course, this does not apply to everyone. Plenty of people have success in balancing their relationships and their professional goals, but as someone who sucks at compartmentalizing, I’m still trying to figure it out (and it’s totally fine if you are too).
You feel drained in relationships
If you ever feel like you’ve just had the life sucked out of you after spending the entire day with your partner, even if they’re not being particularly draining, you might just be better off alone. Furthermore, if you feel you need a break from them rather than spending time with them to take a break, something is wrong. It could be because of the person you’re with, but it could also be because of yourself.
You have unhealthy fights with your partner
If you’re currently in a relationship, or have been in relationships, you know that there will be fights in your relationship. Though it is completely normal to have occasional conflicts in relationships, it’s important to differentiate whether you’re fighting in a healthy and productive way that will deepen your relationship, or if you’re having unhealthy fights that lead nowhere. So, if you find yourself engaging in unhealthy behaviour, such as stonewalling, the silent treatment, and personal attacks, it may be a sign that you need to look inwards. You’re probably better off single than with your partner – unless both of you are willing to work through your own toxic patterns.
More on relationships? Read these:
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