Happiness Tuesdays
The Search for Happiness
Why Relationships Aren't the Secret to Happiness
What's the one thing keeping you from happiness?
Is it the busyness of your schedule? Your job, your boss? Your relationship status?
Singleness is a funny thing. When you're in a relationship, you are, likely, acutely aware that it's a lot of work. It changes your life in countless ways, takes a great deal of time and energy, consumes your affection and attention, and all in all, is only worth it for certain people. But when you're single, all that starts to blur together. Relationships seem full of life and love, having someone to do things with becomes the dream. So often, relationships become the ultimate source of happiness - the idol, the dream.
It begs the question - do relationships actually make us happy?
The answer may surprise you. The self help industry would say "no, of course not - you choose to be happy", but that's not necessarily true. Relationships actually do have a lot to do with your emotional wellbeing - it's just not necessarily romantic ones. Having people in your life is key to your happiness, health, and overall state. But that's healthy relationships, with people who value you, love you, and support you.
We don't thrive on being alone. We do our best when we are with others, with people who care and who value us.
Romantic relationships specifically have the potential to increase our happiness - but they're not guaranteed to. Only when you are in a relationship that is healthy, happy, and consistent will it add to your life experience and potential happiness.
You are whole and complete on your own. If you're feeling down, lonely, or struggling right now, consider pursuing quality friendships first. Build yourself a network of support, a community to lean on, and a collective that you can rely on before you search for a life partner.