Why Knowing Yourself Is A Vital Component To A Happy Life
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Why Knowing Yourself Is A Vital Component To A Happy Life

Stop Being A Yes Man. Learn What Your Standards Are.

123
Shadow of a happy single girl sipping on a glass of wine.

I used to constantly lie to myself and think that I was so happy in my past relationships. I even lied to my partners! I can't tell you how many times I've heard an "I Love You" that I reciprocated but never meant. I genuinely used to think that it was better to be with someone I didn't love than to be alone. WRONG! I can't tell you how happy I am since I started dating myself instead. Now, before you think "that is really cliche... dating yourself??" Yes. Dating myself.

Since forcing myself to be alone I am so much more capable of discovering my own likes and dislikes. I can't believe how many things I never realized I really loved doing because I was too busy faking a smile for someone who wasn't even worth my time! I really love painting (even though I'm not the best at it) and cooking and dancing like nobody's watching. I realized I don't really want to be a gym fiend and play video games all day. Right there, though. Had I known I didn't like those things beforehand, I wouldn't even have considered dating that guy.

Through being single I learned a valuable lesson:

Being alone does not equate to being lonely.

Many times we consider that being physically by ourselves can lead to us feeling lonely, when in fact I've felt pure euphoria in times when I was by myself. I have been single for about 4 years now and I get so happy when I consider the person I am. The love I have gained towards myself over these past few years has truly been so life altering. Now I know exactly what I seek in a partner. Will I be perfect and have my next relationship be THE one? Who knows! I definitely don't. All I know is no matter what, I know there was more thought and consideration when deciding whether or not I will have a wonderful relationship with a given person. I'll know we have similar mindsets and emotional intelligence, and even our differences will help the relationship flourish.

If you're reading this, though, and think this is simply concerning love, my friend, this is directly correlated to your entire life. Your love life, your friends, your family, and even your career. Once you allow yourself to truly get to know your own worth, you'll realize what is worth putting up with and what just isn't. Some say childish and toxic games end in high school, but they are deeply mistaken. Not everyone gains maturity at the same time. Maturity doesn’t always just come with age. Sometimes it is gained through trauma. Sometimes maturity is innate. And sometimes maturity comes with gaining insight. So if you ever catch yourself feeling bad for rejecting someone, asking for a raise, cutting out a toxic friend, or sticking up for yourself, then it might just be time to really sit alone and do some introspection. At the end of the day, the only person who knows how you can live your best life is you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

93430
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments