When you were a child, you were dependent. You relied on your parents and teachers more often than not, and you always seemed to need their help or advice before doing anything. There’s nothing wrong with that; every child needs someone to rely on. When you grow up, however, things change.

You reach an age where you are expected to do more on your own. If you need your parents for help or advice, you are viewed as soft and incapable. There comes a time in your life where you need to learn that you can accomplish anything on your own. Recently I’ve realized that some people, like myself, have relapsed.

I no longer rely on my parents to tell me what is right and wrong because I know the difference. I don’t need them to give me advice because I’ve convinced myself that I can successfully weigh my options and assess my situation without their help. What I want to know is, when exactly did I feel the need to define myself by someone else?

I’ve reached an age where I feel like I need someone to complete me; someone to be my best friend and companion. I’ve always said I was a relationship person, but why is it that I feel as though I need a relationship to be happy?

I don’t need another person to complete me. I’ve been whole for a very long time now. I don’t need to rely on anyone else because I can do absolutely anything I set my mind to. I don’t need constant reassurance from someone because I am completely sure of absolutely every decision I make.

I am an individual, and I don’t need to be compared or linked to someone else. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to realize this, but I do not need someone else right now in my life. I have just begun to see my own potential, and I have just started to create a life for myself in which I feel completely comfortable.

I am no longer a child. I am no longer dependent. I do not need to be defined by another person. I can do absolutely anything with enough hard work and effort. I haven’t closed myself off from the option of a future relationship, but I have recently realized that I don’t need one. I am my own person, and I no longer need to rely on anyone for my own happiness. If along the way a man wants to add to that happiness, I’m okay with that. But never again will I expect a man to provide me with all of that happiness. I am independent, and I am responsible for myself. It’s up to me (and no one else) to make sure I’m completely content, and I want to keep it that way for now.