Some of us are in that phase of life where all of our friends from high school and college seem to be getting into serious relationships/getting married. I can honestly say I’m very happy for those friends who have found their person. However, I am not happy when people ask me why I haven’t found my person. The holidays and Valentine’s Day are prime seasons for questions about relationships. Despite what society has told me I need, I don’t need a partner. I’m not really sure why people ask me why I don’t have a person. My responses to the question typically involve travelling and/or my five year plan.
Travel
I’m a travel person. If I found a job where I could work in sports and travel all the time, I would be exceedingly satisfied with my career. A partner wouldn’t stop me from going, but expecting another person to want to do every single thing I want to do is unrealistic. There’s a lot of world to see, I can’t comprehend how people take that for granted when they tell me I need a partner.
(One time I backpacked through Italy. Venice was a pit stop.)
Alone Time
One of the most valuable things our generation could benefit from learning is how to be alone. When I was traveling, I spent a lot of time alone. I’d meet up with friends in places, but I travelled alone to those places. Honestly, I wish I had more time to myself now that I’m back in the States. There’s something great to be said about doing things alone. I don’t mean watching Netflix and eating cookies alone, I mean full on taking yourself somewhere and enjoying your own company. A museum, a new city, a movie, whatever makes you happy, just do it.
Career
I’m married to the idea of my career. When people question my plans, I have nothing to say other than I have goals that don’t necessarily involve another person. Life happens quick, plans change in an instant, and until something forces a change in my plans, I’m not planning my career and life around another person.
Our generation is very caught up in the idea of finding “the one.” I have no issue with finding your person, but don’t let it define your life. You’ll find your person when you’re meant to, life has a funny way of working out like that. Until that happens, don’t force it, just enjoy the things that make you happy, work towards your goals, and travel as much as you can.