Why being single is the best thing for your self-esteem

With the winter slowly coming to an end and Valentine's Day coming around the corner, love is in the air. Tis' the season to finally take the plunge and commit to a relationship. Even with phenomenons such as "cuffing season" and holidays like Valentine's Day in high popularity, a singular truth remains: that being single is the best thing you can do to improve your self esteem. 


An article published by Huffington Post presented several different studies showing that couples with one of the participants having low self-esteem, often have their relationship sour from problems that arise. Some of these problems include fear of confrontation, harboring resentment, lack/fear of intimacy, etc. But all the hubbub around this time of year causes a preconceived notion that people have to be in a relationship in order to be happy in their lives and confident with themselves. Too often what happens is that people don't get the validation from their partner that they search for (which feeds into a culture of dependency) or they enter an unhealthy, toxic relationship which breaks down their little self-esteem further from the negative atmosphere. 


There have been periods over the last few years where I will find myself analyzing an attractive person in the room for potential qualities before hopping to the next. I have to stop myself from yearning for a partner I don't need, since I am aware of my issues regarding self-esteem. Still, I criticize anything and everything about myself; because in my mind I will never be good enough. How can I love another individual,  when I cannot even love myself. 


This leads over to my advice: being single. It may be a strange piece of advice, but it works. For those feeling pressured to be in a relationship, but know that they suffer with low self-esteem; here's a comforting notion: your soulmate is still out there and will be waiting for you, whenever your ready. That moment will be when you can look at yourself in the mirror and truly find love in your heart. You don't need to rush, because you are your top most priority. You need to love yourself before you attempt to love another person, that comes with flaws of their own.