Why A Relationship Shouldn't Define You | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Why A Relationship Shouldn't Define You

Whether you're with someone or not, be your own person.

432
Why A Relationship Shouldn't Define You
Brain Child Magazine

Everyone is their own person, you don't need another person to validate the life that you control.

I think people put too much pressure on themselves to be in or relationship or question themselves too much. Wondering... Why doesn't anyone like me? Am I that repulsive that no one wants to date me? I would know because I'm one of those people who finds myself swirling in that whirlwind of constant self-questioning.

You shouldn't let someone's opinion of you make you love yourself any less. The whole point of life is to live it how you want to and not let anyone else stop you from what you want to accomplish in it.

Regardless of whether you are in a relationship right now or not, doesn't mean you need to be happy in one you are in or have to strive really hard to get into one. Most relationships are just a temporary means to an end and if you aren't happy before being in a relationship, you won't be happy forcing yourself into a situation that doesn't feel right.

And if you are in a relationship right now, remember that you are your own person. If your significant other doesn't view you with the respect that you deserve then you should get out of there. You aren't a package deal; you are an individual with your own likes, passions, and dreams. Relationships seem to take that individuality aspect away from some people, and if you start to change yourself for someone, then are you really yourself at all?

Relationships can bring you so much happiness. I know I have some memories from them that I won’t ever forget. However, the same time, they can also bring immense pain and sorrow, so make sure you don’t let that pain destroy you. It’s okay to be upset, but remember that there was a reason that it ended in the first place, and if you are meant to be with someone then you will be. Don’t let the sorrow consume you, because every second you waste being depressed is a second you will never get back.

Instead of defining yourself by your relationship status focus on yourself in other words. When someone asks you who you are, what would you say? Talk about activities you like, goals you want to achieve, friends that you love, places you want to visit, people you want to meet... You aren’t defined by who is holding your hand or whether or not someone even is.

Obviously, it’s a lot easier said than done, but just because someone else is happy in a relationship doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be happy without being in one. Worry about yourself and what you can do each day to get yourself to smile. I sound overly optimistic, but time shouldn’t be wasted not appreciating yourself and not knowing that you are just as worthy of happiness as anyone else.

So if you ever need to define yourself, don’t think of your love life first. It may seem important now, but when you’re the CEO of the next Apple, then all the doubts you ever had would have disappeared. You need to know that you're awesome, you alone are, and no one can take that away from you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

2176
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

1400
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

2909
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

1518
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments