So this is a totally random post, but I thought it would be good to write a list of the things I've learnt about myself and singledom in general. It's not sewing related, but an interesting post never the less. Plus I thought it would be good to have a record.
I learnt who my friends are
This probably sounds a little cliche, but it's true. I know I lost friends as a direct result of my last break up but I also found out who my real friends are. I've always believed the old adage that it is better to have a few friends you can be certain of rather than a certain number of friends, it is certainly true.
I learnt it's okay to be lonely sometimes
Sometimes I get lonely, it's probably the hardest part of being single. No one to complain to about a hard day at work, no one to hug you when you're down. Those few things are probably what I struggle with the most. It's hard not having that person you can tell everything to.
I learnt I'm stronger than I think
When I first got dumped (by the guy I thought I would spend my whole life with) I didn't think I could live without him. Turns out I can. I'm way more successful single than I would have been if we were together. But more about that later.
I learnt time heals
It's another one of those cliches, and if you just broke up with someone it's also the last thing you want to hear, but it is true. The first few months were awful, then things gradually got better. Time changes things, it changes people.
I discovered my passions
I took the time to rediscover my passions and find some new ones. I have been quilting for a while but dressmaking & bra making came post breakup. I've got more responsibilities at Guides and I now go to the gym three mornings a week. All these things make up my 'me time' and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I learnt who I am
I got to rediscover me, what makes me happy, what my passions are, my likes and dislikes. I still dislike clubbing, I still like pizza. But overall I think I now know more about myself than I ever did.
I learnt I don't need a guy
Don't get me wrong, having a boyfriend is nice, but I certainly don't need one. The (nearly) two years I've been single have been pretty big for me. I paid off my car (in a year), bought a house and raised $5000 for my guide unit. Who says you need a guy (or two incomes) to achieve most of this?
I learnt sometimes it's okay to not like being single
I mean overall I'm not complaining and I'm certainly not going to get into a relationship with the wrong person just to be in a relationship, but sometimes being single just sucks. Like when you're sick and there is no food in the house. As a single person generally the two options you have are either starve or suck it up and go and get food. This generally wouldn't happen if you were in a relationship :)
Anyway, I hope you enjoy a little bit more insight into me as a person and back to sewing posts next time. Promise :)
Emma
I really liked this post. You've just listed a lot of things that I learnt after breaking up my ex last year - the "discovering your passions" really resonated with me, because trying to distract myself from a broken heart was exactly what got me back into sewing in the first place! I'm just starting out on my first relationship since, but I feel so much more secure and confident about myself going into it now that I've learnt these things about myself :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Maddy! I feel much the same, I know if I was to get into a relationship now I feel much more secure about myself as a person and that's only a good sign. The first time I made lingerie happened to nearly align which when I started dating again, needless to say my friends had fun with that... They obviously don't know the power of handmade.
DeleteThank you for this post. I just went through this mindset from a 5-year relationship the exact day you posted it and happened to stumble upon your blog looking for a tutorial from instagram. Life is amazing that way. I'm still bummed about it and this gave me hope for a brighter tomorrow. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou're more than welcome. I'd hoped this post would help someone and giving you that hope has made my day. Rest assured things will get easier, and you'll prove that you can still conquer the world! It is funny the way the world works. If you want feel free to email me at emma@ahandstitchedlife.com
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