In my 23 short years I have learned so much about what to do and what not to do in relationships. There have been many many many many many mistakes along the way. Finally, I realize (truly realize and completely understand) I have to be an individual comfortable in my own skin without someone to validate me in order to have true happiness, and a significant other would only increase the happiness, not be the ultimate cause (and potential end) of my happiness. (Damn the man who didn't tell me this fairy tale growing up!) (Side note: I love in the Sex and The City movie where Carrie reads Lily Cinderella and at the end she says, "you know this is just make believe.")
Some of the things I've been doing to be a better individual:
- journaling
- reading
- learning how to cook
- trying new activities (kayaking with Cooper, stand up paddling, running)
- spending time by myself
It's made my life more relaxing, and I enjoy contemplating the activities of my day and thinking back to my reactions to see if I would have done anything differently. If you have any suggestions for ways to be a better individual I'd love to hear them!
This is the article that got me thinking about writing this blog entry: http://www.oprah.com/relationships/How-Love-Works-Healthy-Relationships
Once, when I was a little girl, I was riding in the car with my mom and one of her girlfriends while they bitched about men, thinking I wasn't listening. At some point, exasperated, by mom said "There just really is no such thing as prince charming".
ReplyDeleteShe says I immediately said "what!?!" and started bawling.
I think she still feels guilty for breaking the news.