There’s a common belief, one you’ve probably heard a million times: to be truly content, a woman needs romance in her life. But I’m here to tell you, that’s not always the case.
You see, I’ve spent a lot of time observing and chatting with various women – those in relationships, those single, and those who are somewhere in between. What I’ve discovered may surprise you.
Sometimes, it’s not about the grand gestures or the candlelit dinners. It’s not even about having someone to come home to every night.
What really matters is how you feel about yourself, your life, and your future. And guess what? That has nothing to do with whether or not you’re romantically involved with someone.
Here’s what I found out about women who are perfectly happy without romance in their lives. Trust me, these habits might just change the way you look at happiness and contentment.
1) Embracing solitude
Let’s get real for a moment, shall we?
Society often makes us believe that being alone is a bad thing. The reality, however, is far from it.
The women I’ve met who don’t need romance to be happy have mastered the art of enjoying their own company. They’re comfortable spending time alone and they use this time to relax, reflect, and recharge.
They understand that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. In fact, it can be incredibly empowering. It’s a time to focus on what they enjoy – whether that’s reading a book, going for a run, or simply savoring a cup of coffee in silence.
They’re not afraid of solitude. Instead, they embrace it. And in doing so, they’ve found a level of contentment that many people only dream of.
2) Prioritizing self-care
One thing I’ve noticed about these women is their unwavering commitment to self-care.
They understand that taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing is paramount. They make it a point to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and nurture their minds with intellectual pursuits.
I’ll let you in on a little secret about myself. A few years ago, I was in a relationship where I completely lost myself. I was so focused on making the other person happy that I stopped taking care of my own needs.
The moment I chose to walk away from that relationship, I made a promise to myself – never again would I compromise my wellbeing for anyone else’s happiness.
Now, I prioritize self-care above everything else. Whether it’s going for a run in the morning, spending an evening reading a good book, or simply enjoying a healthy meal, I make sure to do something for myself every day.
This habit of prioritizing self-care is something I’ve seen in all the women who don’t need romance to be happy.
3) Building strong support systems
You know, Maya Angelou once said, “Nobody can make it out here alone.” And she was right.
The women I’ve observed don’t just spend their time alone; they have a robust support system. This system isn’t necessarily filled with romantic partners but with friends, family, mentors, and even pets.
They understand the importance of having people in their lives who genuinely care about them and want to see them thrive. These are the people who lift them up when they’re down, celebrate their achievements, and offer a shoulder to cry on in tough times.
For instance, a woman I know has a close-knit circle of friends who she refers to as her ‘chosen family’. They’ve been there for her through thick and thin, offering support and companionship that goes beyond any romantic relationship she’s ever had.
Remembering Angelou’s words, these women make sure they’re never truly ‘alone’. They build strong support systems that allow them to feel connected and loved without needing a romantic relationship.
4) Pursuing personal passions
Here’s something you might not know. According to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, people who have hobbies are significantly happier and more satisfied with their lives.
The women I’ve talked to, those who don’t need romance to feel happy, they’re passionate about something. It could be anything – painting, playing an instrument, hiking, writing, dancing – you name it.
These pursuits give them a sense of fulfillment and joy that’s completely independent of their romantic status. They get to express themselves, challenge themselves, and most importantly, they get to do something they truly love.
Take my friend Emma for example. She’s an avid gardener. She spends hours tending to her plants and flowers, and the joy it brings her is palpable. When she talks about her garden, her eyes light up and her face glows with happiness.
Romance or not, these women have found happiness in pursuing their personal passions.
5) Investing in personal growth
It’s no secret that growth and change are essential parts of life.
The women who don’t need romance to feel happy, they’ve understood this fact and embraced it wholeheartedly. They’re constantly looking for ways to grow and evolve as individuals.
Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up a new hobby, going back to school, or simply reading a book that widens their perspective, they’re always up for something new and challenging.
For instance, my neighbor, a woman in her 60s, recently decided to return to college. She wanted to study art history – something she’d always been passionate about but never had the time to pursue. The joy and excitement she exudes every day is nothing short of inspiring.
These women don’t see their happiness tied to a romantic relationship. Instead, they find joy in the journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
6) Practicing gratitude
Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the good things we have.
But the women who don’t need romance to feel happy, they’ve made gratitude a daily practice. They take time every day to reflect on what they have and express appreciation for it.
It could be something as simple as a beautiful sunset, a good book, a delicious meal, or the company of good friends. By acknowledging and appreciating these things, they cultivate a sense of joy and contentment that’s not dependent on a romantic partner.
A woman I know keeps a gratitude journal. Every night before she goes to sleep, she writes down three things she’s grateful for. It’s a small practice, but one that has had a profound impact on her outlook on life.
Through gratitude, these women learn to find happiness in the simple things in life, with or without romance.
7) Embracing independence
There’s a certain kind of freedom that comes with being able to stand on your own two feet.
The women who don’t need romance to feel happy have embraced this independence wholeheartedly. They enjoy the freedom to make their own decisions, to set their own pace, and to live life on their own terms.
They’ve learned to handle their finances, fix things around the house, travel solo, and more importantly, they’ve learned to be emotionally independent. They don’t rely on a partner for their happiness or self-worth.
One woman I met during a solo trip told me she had never felt more alive than when she started doing things on her own. She said it was liberating not having to consider someone else’s preferences or schedules, and just doing what she wanted when she wanted.
By embracing independence, these women find happiness in their autonomy and self-sufficiency.
8) Cultivating self-love
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the women who don’t need romance to feel happy have a strong sense of self-love.
They’ve learned to love and accept themselves for who they are, flaws and all. They don’t seek validation or acceptance from a romantic partner, because they’ve given it to themselves.
They treat themselves with kindness and compassion, they celebrate their strengths, and they are patient with their weaknesses. They understand that everyone is a work in progress, including themselves.
A woman I greatly admire once told me, “The greatest love affair you’ll ever have is with yourself.” And I couldn’t agree more.
These women find happiness in embracing and loving who they are – in their entirety – without needing someone else to complete them. They understand that true happiness comes from within, not from a romantic relationship.
Final thoughts
Having journeyed through the lives of these women, it’s clear that happiness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Every woman has her own path to joy and fulfillment; for some, romance isn’t a part of that equation.
If you see yourself in these habits, remember that it’s perfectly okay not to seek or depend on romantic relationships for happiness. Your journey is unique to you, and what brings you joy may not be what society often dictates.
Take time to reflect on these habits. Do they resonate with you? Are there changes you could make in your life that align more with your authentic self?
Remember the words of Oscar Wilde: “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” This quote echoes what we’ve learned today – that self-love is the key to happiness.
Be patient with yourself as you navigate your path. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. You’re on a journey to discovering your truest, happiest self. And remember romance or not, you’re enough just as you are.
