5 Things I’ve Learned About Love After 10 Years of Being Single
What a decade of pushing people away taught me about healthy relationships
I’ve experienced all types of heartache during my 41 trips around the sun. I’ve been in abusive relationships, been (briefly) married, been cheated on, and been fooled by unrequited love. As my good friend Phoebe would say:
“Your collective dating record reads like a who’s who of human crap!” — Phoebe Buffay, Friends Season 8 Episode 18
It’s no wonder then that I chose to be single for nearly a decade. I was single and definitely not ready to mingle. I mean, I went on the occasional date and found myself in approximately 1.5 more “serious” relationships throughout those years. But, for the most part, I had zero interest in pursuing anything significant or long-term.
After years of unhealthy relationships, I closed the door to others so I could get to know my SELF.
I prioritized my health and wellbeing by examining my past choices and healing from existing trauma. I focused on my dreams and ambitions by travelling the world solo and building my business. I eagerly built a wall around me, adding more and more layers every year to ensure no one came too close.
