I like being independent.

I take pride in knowing that I can rely on myself. I like knowing that I’m capable of accomplishing things on my own, and that I don’t need anybody else. I like spending time alone and getting to know myself, and I like putting myself first because I think it’s important that I know and understand who I am, what I want, and what I don’t want before I take on any responsibilities or emotions other than those of myself.

I like spending my spare time doing the things I love, and knowing what my passions, goals, and dreams are so that I can feed them on a regular basis. I like being my own source of my confidence, strength, courage, love, and happiness. And I like that I don’t rely on an outside source (entirely) for any of those things, because I think it’s important to know that I can be without them. I like knowing that I can be happy and confident on my own.

I like being independent because I believe in the importance of all that it offers. I also believe that you need to love yourself before you can ever fully, truly love someone else. I believe that knowing who you are and what you want before adding someone else to your list of priorities, helps define who you are and teaches you the difference between want and need. I like knowing the difference. Because although I know I can make it on my own and don’t need to rely on anyone else to get me to where I’m going, I want someone to challenge me and cheer me on every step of the way, even if I don’t need it.

The things we

need, we can find within ourselves. We should identify them ourselves long before we go looking for them in anyone else, because then it can be taken away - and that is something I refuse to make myself vulnerable to. But depending on someone for the things we need and the things we want is different.
Independence is not determined by your relationship status either. It doesn't work that way. You can be someone who makes you happy and be with someone that makes you happy at the same time. You do not have to be alone to be independent, and you're allowed to want and accept things from someone other than yourself, and still be independent.

I know I don’t need a hero because I’ve saved myself many times before. I know that I can pick myself up when I’m down. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want a helping hand or a shoulder other than my own to cry on when times get tough. I know that I need to focus on myself because I have ambitions and dreams, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like the idea of sharing my passions, love, and life with someone else. I am confident and happy on my own and I don’t need someone to tell me I’m beautiful in order to feel that way, but I still want to hear it. And I don’t need someone to send me flowers to know that I am worthy of affection and love, but I still wouldn't mind if someone came to sweep me off my feet. And I don’t need anyone to tell me that I can do something, because I already believe in myself - I know that I can. But that doesn't mean I don't want someone to believe in me too. Because I do.

You learn a lot when you aren't afraid to survive on your own. When you learn how to appreciate and love yourself, you also learn how to appreciate and love others. By being happy and confident on your own, you set standards and gain a great sense of self-respect and pride. Once you love yourself, know yourself, and believe in yourself, you won’t accept anything less than that in return. You know what you're worth and you won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.

So yeah, I like being independent. It’s taught me just about everything I need to know in order to go out and grab the world by the lapels, and kick ass.