Navigating the world of relationships can feel like a tightrope walk.
On one hand, there’s the joy and comfort of companionship, and on the other, there’s the freedom and self-discovery that comes with being single.
However, it’s important to remember that being in a relationship should never be about filling a void or meeting society’s expectations. It should be a choice, driven by a genuine desire to share your life with someone.
The truth is, there are times when it’s better to be single than to be in a relationship. Here are seven signs that might indicate it’s time to embrace your solo journey.
1) You’re Constantly Seeking Validation
In a healthy relationship, both partners should feel valued and appreciated for who they are. But if you find yourself constantly seeking validation from your partner, it could be a sign that you’re not comfortable being alone.
The desire for validation is a natural human instinct. That’s why we seek the approval of our peers, colleagues, and loved ones. Feeling like we belong to a community is what drives us to fit in and engage with it.
However, when this need for validation becomes a driving force in your relationship, it can lead to an unhealthy dynamic. Instead of being an equal partnership, the relationship becomes more focused on proving your worth or seeking reassurance.
Being single provides you with the opportunity for self-discovery and validation. It gives you the space to explore who you are and what you want, regardless of anyone else’s expectations or judgments.
2) You feel trapped and unfulfilled
A relationship shouldn’t feel like a prison. It should be a place of mutual respect, understanding, and growth. If you constantly feel trapped or unfulfilled in your relationship, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong.
I’ve been there myself. I felt stuck like I was living someone else’s life instead of my own. It was only when I decided to get out of the relationship that I was able to breathe freely again and rediscover my true self.
A fulfilling relationship should inspire you to be the best version of yourself, not suppress your individuality or freedom.
If you feel trapped or codependent in your relationship, or even addicted to your partner, you are not alone, and you are not doomed to repeat these patterns forever!
A free Love and Intimacy Masterclass with world-renowned shaman Rudá Iandê can help you break free from these toxic beliefs and patterns, and guide you toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Rudá’s expertise and compassionate approach will enable you to break free from unhealthy dynamics and cultivate the love you truly deserve.
In the words of renowned psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl, “Between stimulus and response lies a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
3) You’re Not Prioritizing Your Growth
Personal growth and self-improvement are crucial aspects of life, and they are often neglected when we’re in relationships that aren’t serving us. If you find that your personal growth is taking a backseat in your relationship, it’s a strong indicator that you may be better off single.
A relationship should inspire both partners to grow and evolve. However, if your relationship has become a comfort zone that prevents you from pursuing your passions or achieving your goals, it may be time to reevaluate.
4) Your Values Are Incompatible
At the heart of every meaningful relationship lies a shared set of values. If you find that your values are incompatible with your partner’s, it may be a sign that you’re better off single.
Values are the guiding principles that shape our lives. They dictate how we make decisions, how we treat others, and what our priorities are. In a relationship, shared values create common ground and foster mutual respect.
However, being in a relationship where your values are constantly clashing can feel like a constant battle. This can lead to resentment, misunderstandings, and conflict that gradually erode your bond.
Being single allows you to reevaluate your values and align your life accordingly. It also allows you to live authentically and make decisions that align with who you are.
5) You’re Not Happy With Yourself
One of the biggest signs that you might be better off single is if you’re not happy with who you are. Happiness that comes from within is the foundation of any healthy relationship. If you’re not happy with yourself, chances are no outside relationship will be able to fill that void.
In my video on “The Happiness Illusion,” I discuss the trap of pursuing happiness and how true contentment comes from within. It’s about embracing life’s challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and staying true to yourself.
6) You’re Afraid of Being Alone
This may seem paradoxical, but one of the signs that you might be better off single is if you’re afraid of being alone. Fear of isolation often pushes us into relationships that may not be right for us, leading to a vicious cycle of dependency and dissatisfaction.
Embracing solitude is a profound aspect of personal growth and self-awareness. During the times we spend alone, we can reflect on ourselves, understand our desires, and balance our actions with our values. If the idea of being alone scares you, it may be a sign that you need to take some time to get to know yourself better.
Being single gives you the space to confront this fear and learn the art of enjoying your own company. It’s an opportunity to become comfortable with solitude and understand that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely.
However, this fear of being alone can often manifest as codependency in relationships.
Do any of these statements resonate with you?
- You feel that your happiness and well-being are overly dependent on your partner.
- The idea of being alone is scarier than being in an unhappy relationship.
- You struggle with deep insecurities and anxiety about your relationship.
- Even though you’re single, you worry about how you’d fare in a committed relationship.
If so, your relationship or well-being may be suffering from codependency. The good news is that you can break free from these patterns.
The Love and Intimacy Masterclass with Rhoda provides a safe space to address these issues, providing you with the tools and insights to break free from codependent behaviors and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
It’s a free resource designed to empower you on your journey toward emotional independence and authentic connection.
As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke once said, “I want to be with those who know secret things or alone.” Embrace the secrets within you and cherish your company. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a testament to your strength and resilience.
7) You Keep Making Excuses for Your Partner
One major red flag that you might be better off if you’re single is if you find yourself constantly making excuses for your partner. This usually indicates that you’re not truly satisfied in the relationship, but are trying to convince yourself otherwise out of fear or uncertainty.
Constantly making excuses for your partner’s behavior or justifying your unhappiness in the relationship is not healthy. Not only does it foster resentment and dissatisfaction, but it also hinders your personal growth and happiness.
Being single allows you to step back, reevaluate your relationship patterns, and understand what you truly want and deserve from your partner. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your past relationships and make conscious decisions about your future.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” Prioritize yourself, and don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Embrace the Journey of Self-Love
The journey of self-discovery and personal growth often unfolds in solitude. It’s during these times that we gain a deeper understanding of our values, confront our fears, and learn to appreciate our company.
Being single is more than just a relationship status. It’s an opportunity to cultivate self-love, cultivate resilience, and align our lives with our deepest values. It’s a space for reflection and growth, which forms the foundation for any healthy and fulfilling relationship in the future.
If you’re looking for guidance and support on your self-love journey, consider joining the Self-Love Journey Program, a transformative experience led by world-renowned shaman Rhoda Iande. This seven-day online course offers daily lessons, practical exercises, and guided meditations designed to help you:
- Identify and overcome limiting beliefs that keep you from experiencing true self-love.
- Develop a deeper sense of self-worth and compassion, allowing you to accept your imperfections and celebrate your unique strengths.
- Cultivate healthy boundaries in your relationships, ensuring that you prioritize your well-being without sacrificing connection to others.
- Practice self-care rituals that nourish your mind, body, and spirit, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
- Learn to trust your intuition and make choices that align with your true self.
By investing in your own personal self-love journey, you’re investing in a more fulfilling and joyful life. As you learn to love and accept yourself unconditionally, you’ll attract healthier relationships, experience greater confidence, and feel empowered to pursue your passions.
Whether you’re single or in a relationship, remember that your happiness and fulfillment should never depend on someone else. As Oscar Wilde so cleverly observed, “Self-love is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
So the next time you find yourself questioning the state of your relationship, take a step back and consider these signs. Ask yourself, are you better off single?
