I've dedicated a significant amount of time and energy in my life to prioritizing the wants and needs of men. Even when I was in a relationship, I always put my partner's needs before my own. However, being single for an extended period allowed me to discover my own desires and what it takes to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Now that I have learned to take care of myself and work towards my own future, I am determined to avoid getting derailed by love in the future. It simply isn't worth sacrificing my own goals and aspirations for someone else.

1. I'm done putting men first

In the past, I would completely immerse myself in my relationships as a way of avoiding my own life. I was unsure of what I truly desired, so I attempted to distract myself by constantly pursuing new boyfriends. However, this ultimately resulted in feelings of unhappiness and discontentment. Despite my attempts to rationalize my actions, I now understand that this behavior was dysfunctional and detrimental to my well-being.

2. I figured out the hard way that I have to take care of myself before any guy

Breakups have always had an intense impact on me because I centered my entire life around my relationships. My happiness and sense of fulfillment were solely derived from my partners, and my emotional state was dependent on theirs. This lifestyle proved to be detrimental to my well-being, and I was forced to undergo an excruciating period of post-breakup depression in order to transform my life completely. I cannot afford to revert to that lifestyle again.

3. I have dreams to achieve

During my younger years, I was consumed by worry and confusion, lacking a clear sense of direction in life. However, through intensive introspection and a period of solitude, I gradually began to comprehend what I genuinely desired for myself. It was essential to remove any distractions, including relationships, that prevented me from seeing my true self. Having discovered my goals, I am now highly focused and motivated, with little room for romantic pursuits.

4. I have no more time to waste

As I continue to age, I regret not having discovered my life's purpose earlier, but dwelling on the past is futile. I now possess a strong sense of confidence and self-assurance, and I am committed to turning my aspirations into actuality. Given the amount of effort required to achieve my objectives, I cannot justify devoting any of that energy to the complexities of dating. Therefore, I have decided that remaining single is a better option for me.

5. Love is great, but it's not everything

I feel incredible now that I no longer rely on a relationship as a crutch. I once believed that my life was insignificant until I found love, but I now understand that it should be the other way around. Prioritizing my journey and developing it as I envision it is critical. Although it would be wonderful if I find love along the way, it is not a necessity. Being alone suits me well, and I am content with carving out a path for myself independently.

6. Relationships pull my focus

It's a fundamental truth that a relationship requires a significant amount of time and energy, which takes away from other areas of my life. With only a finite amount of resources available, each new commitment necessitates their redistribution. I strive to achieve great things and accomplish as much as possible, making it difficult to limit my focus to a few key areas. Consequently, my devotion to my friends, and desire to excel in other areas of my life, has meant that my romantic relationships are usually the first to be jettisoned when I need to make cuts.

7. Any man who dates me has to understand my priorities

While it pains me to admit it, I must be candid with any man brave enough to pursue a relationship with me. My life is incredibly active and demanding, and I am unwilling to compromise it for a partner. I value my freedom and require substantial personal space, and I am terrified of being consumed by a relationship once more. Therefore, I must be extremely cautious and attentive in my approach to any potential romance.

8. I've lost my way too many times because of men

The issue at hand is not with my past partners but rather with myself. In the past, I did not have a clear understanding of my identity or desires, which led me to become excessively dependent on my partners. I dedicated myself to the relationship without being prompted to do so, as I was unwilling to confront my personal issues. I am now acutely aware of the mistakes I made in the past and cannot afford to repeat them. I refuse to subject myself to that kind of behavior again.

9. I refuse to live with regrets

Although I've made mistakes in the past, I don't have any regrets as they have helped me grow and become a stronger person. However, I am now determined to move forward with mindfulness and awareness. While it can be daunting and challenging to avoid repeating past mistakes, I am committed to doing the necessary work to ensure that I do not have any regrets in the future. I refuse to let any romantic relationship distract me from my goals and aspirations.

10. I'm not sure I'm even meant to be with anyone

I used to try to fill my emptiness by relying on relationships, but I've learned to enjoy being alone and am not sure if I can ever enjoy being with someone else as much. I'm currently focused on personal growth, and I don't feel ready for another relationship yet.