7 Reasons Why It Is Not Essential To Have A Partner To Be Happy
Over the years, the idea has been transmitted from generation to generation that finding a suitable partner for us, getting married and starting a family is part of what is usually understood by “happiness”. It is a cultural phenomenon based on the concept of the better half, according to which every person is incomplete if they do not find someone special for them.
Contrary to this preconceived idea, we must keep in mind that having a stable partner is only one of the options we have in life and that there are many other ways to be happy without having a stable relationship. Let’s look at the different reasons why the most advisable thing for our mental health is to assume that it is not essential to have a partner (although this does not mean closing ourselves off from the possibility of dating or starting a relationship).
Why is it not necessary to have a partner to be happy?
People who do not have a stable partner are perfectly capable of finding happiness in many areas of their lives, and although this same happiness can also be found by those who are married or in a relationship, being single offers us endless daily possibilities.
Below we will briefly see the reasons why it is not essential to have a partner to be happy in life.
1. You have time to focus on yourself
People who have a partner have less free time and can rarely focus exclusively on their personal projects, dreams and ambitions.
Any relationship is based on mutual understanding and carrying out all types of activities always thinking about the other person and taking into account that any decision must satisfy both parties. This implies commitment and effort; If this effort is not produced symmetrically by both parties, problems arise in the relationship.
When we don’t have a partner we have all the time in the world to think about ourselves and start all kinds of personal projects that fulfill us and make us happy. This means having almost total freedom to undertake any type of work, work project, study, hobby or way of life that interests us.
2. Self-actualization focuses on the individual
One of the main reasons to be alone is that we can find happiness in ourselves, that is when we realize that we do not need a partner to self-actualize as human beings.
Happiness can be found in many places at the same time, both in one’s own work or future professional projects, as well as in friends, social life, hobbies, family, study or sports. Of course, these contexts do not always have to involve activities that can only be done as a couple.
Happiness is closely linked to the possibility of immersing ourselves in a way of life that gives us meaning; This is an introspective and private process, which normally does not require the involvement of more people. In this sense, being single is fully compatible with that process of searching for meaning and experimenting with what we do.
3. It offers more leeway to pursue financial freedom
Likewise, without having a stable partner we can have enough energy and time to, for example, dedicate ourselves to our work life for a few months or years and then enjoy a certain financial freedom. These ways of living so based on radical changes between one stage of your working life and another are much easier if you don’t have a partner.
Although it is true that it can be done equally with a partner, it is evident that in a relationship we would not have as much time or energy to dedicate to the professional field.
4. Knowing yourself does not require the presence of another person
Deepening the self-knowledge necessary to connect with our own values and interests and seek happiness from them is not a process that requires us to be in a relationship. Yes, it is usually necessary to have regular contact with other people (to know our different facets through them), but not necessarily one in specific.
The free time that not having a partner gives us also allows us to dedicate ourselves to consciously getting to know ourselves, which will allow us to discover who we are and what our desires in life are, as well as goals, interests and hobbies.
5. Friendship relationships should not be underestimated
Some couples often find it difficult to meet frequently with their friends, due to daily obligations at work and also the need to spend time together.
On the other hand, the idea that friendships are a less satisfying version of romantic relationships is a myth; There are qualitative differences between the two, and both have things to offer.
6. You can invest more time in growing as a person
Knowing ourselves is also a good way to know our strengths and weaknesses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of our personality.
This will allow us, in the end, to improve and grow as a person daily and work on those defects that we may have both on an emotional and psychological level and in interpersonal relationships.
7. You can shape your future
As stated above, being alone allows us to make our own decisions in life, and also take the course we decide regarding our future.
Couples must usually make joint decisions regarding their common future; However, when we do not have a partner we have a lot of room for maneuver to build the life we want.
This means that we have total freedom and flexibility in, for example, traveling to any part of the world whenever we want or going to live in the area of the city that we like the most.
Do you want to boost your self-esteem and personal development with psychological support?
If you are interested in having professional psychological assistance, contact me.
My name is Lorena Irribarra and I am a psychologist and certified Mindfulness Instructor; I offer psychotherapy services and training in self-leadership, self-esteem and Mindfulness MBSR.
