People who don’t need romance to feel happy and complete usually display these 7 subtle behaviors

My Aunt Lucy had an unusual life motto: “Who needs romance when you can have a good book and a cup of tea?”

I used to think she was just quirky, but turns out, she might have been onto something.

You see, happiness and fulfillment are subjective. Society may lead us to believe that romantic love is the ultimate key to feeling complete. But, is that really the case for everyone?

Here’s an interesting insight.

There’s a tribe of people out there who sail through life without the need for romantic partners to feel happy and whole.

And guess what? These folks usually display seven subtle behaviors that set them apart.

In this article, we’ll delve into these intriguing traits, unveiling a new perspective on personal fulfillment that may just challenge our conventional understanding of happiness.

But remember, just like Aunt Lucy with her books and tea, it’s all about finding what makes you truly content. 

1) They treasure their independence

One of the most prominent behaviors of people who don’t necessarily need romance to feel complete is their fierce love for independence.

It’s not that they shy away from companionship or reject the idea of sharing their lives with others. Far from it.

Instead, they cherish the freedom to make their own choices, to follow their own path without needing to compromise or consult with a partner. It’s about being self-reliant and embracing the liberty to explore life on their own terms.

This independence doesn’t stem from a place of ego or arrogance, but rather from a deep-seated respect for their own individuality and personal growth.

And guess what?

This freedom, this autonomy, brings them a sense of contentment and fulfillment that many might seek in romantic relationships.

But remember, there’s no right or wrong here, just different paths towards happiness.

2) They cultivate diverse relationships

My friend Jessie is one of those people who never seems to be in a romantic relationship, yet she’s one of the happiest people I know.

Here’s what I’ve noticed about Jessie.

She has an incredibly diverse and rich social network.

From childhood pals to hiking buddies, from her book club friends to her colleagues at work, Jessie is surrounded by a plethora of relationships that add depth and variety to her life.

She doesn’t limit her emotional investment to just one person or a romantic partner. Instead, she cultivates deep connections with a wide array of people, each relationship offering her a unique perspective, support, and camaraderie.

This is not to say that she doesn’t value romantic relationships. But rather, she finds fulfillment and joy in the diversity of human connections she nurtures.

And the result?

A vibrant network of relationships that keep her engaged, loved, and content – no romance required.

3) They’re not afraid of solitude

Solitude. Some people dread it. Others, like my cousin Mike, embrace it.

Mike lives in a cozy cabin in the woods. He’s a writer, and he spends most of his days alone, surrounded by nature.

Now, he’s not a hermit. He enjoys socializing, has close friends, and even dates occasionally.

But here’s what’s fascinating about Mike.

He does not fear being alone. He doesn’t see solitude as a void that needs to be filled with romance or companionship.

Instead, he views it as an opportunity to:

  • Engage with himself
  • Explore his thoughts
  • Dive deep into his craft without distraction

For him, solitude is a space for introspection and creativity. It’s a time and place where he can be authentically himself without any external influences.

And this acceptance of solitude, this ability to find comfort in his own company brings him a sense of peace and fulfillment that some people spend a lifetime seeking in romance.

So, is being alone always easy for him? No. But is it rewarding? Absolutely! And that’s what truly matters.

4) They have a strong sense of self

You know that person in your life who seems to know exactly who they are, what they want, and where they’re going?

That’s Patty, a close friend of mine.

Patty has an unshakeable sense of self. She has spent time understanding herself, her goals, her desires, and she has a clear vision of the life she wants to lead.

And interestingly, this vision doesn’t necessarily include a romantic partner.

But why?

Because Patty finds happiness within herself. She doesn’t depend on a romantic relationship to define her worth or her happiness. While she’s open to romance, her contentment doesn’t hinge on it.

Instead, she focuses on personal growth, on building a life that echoes her values and passions.

To Patty, happiness is being true to herself, not fitting into societal expectations of needing a romantic partner to feel complete.

And this strong sense of self gives her the freedom to seek happiness on her own terms. A freedom that many people crave but seldom find.

5) They seek experiences over relationships

Did you know that according to a study from the University Of Colorado, people who valued experiences over material possessions were found to be happier and more satisfied with life?

It’s an interesting notion, isn’t it?

This concept applies not just to material possessions, but also to relationships. People like my neighbor, Sam, are a perfect example of this.

Sam is a travel photographer. His life is a montage of breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities, and vibrant cultures.

He constantly seeks new experiences, from scaling the icy peaks of the Himalayas to exploring the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

For Sam, these experiences bring him joy and fulfillment far beyond what he has ever found in romantic relationships. His passion lies in exploring the world, capturing its beauty, and immersing himself in diverse cultures.

His happiness isn’t tied to being in a relationship but is rooted in the richness of his experiences. These adventures fuel his spirit and bring him a sense of completeness that he doesn’t seek in romance.

It’s a unique approach to life, but one that brings him immense happiness. Isn’t it fascinating how different paths can lead us to the same destination – happiness?

6) They practice self-love and self-care

Let me tell you about Rosa, a woman I met during a mindfulness retreat last summer. Rosa radiated joy and contentment, the kind that comes from within.

Rosa is a firm believer in self-love and self-care. She believes that treating oneself kindly, taking care of one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being, is crucial for happiness.

Isn’t that something we all could do a bit more of?

Rosa’s self-care routine doesn’t just involve spa days or treating herself to her favorite dessert (although she enjoys those too). It involves:

  • Setting boundaries
  • Saying no when necessary
  • Prioritizing her needs
  • Practicing self-compassion

She doesn’t look for validation or happiness in romantic relationships. Instead, she finds it within herself. She loves herself unconditionally, with all her strengths and flaws.

And this love for herself isn’t selfish. It’s empowering. It allows her to be happier, healthier, more resilient, and yes, complete without the need for romantic love.

Isn’t it beautiful how kindness towards oneself can lead to such profound contentment?

7) They value their journey over a destination

The most important thing I’ve noticed about people who don’t require romance to feel complete is their focus on the journey, not the destination.

Take my brother, Alex, for instance.

Alex doesn’t view life as a series of milestones to be achieved – graduation, job, marriage, kids. Instead, he views life as an ongoing journey of self-exploration and growth.

To him, happiness and fulfillment aren’t tied to reaching a particular destination or achieving a specific milestone, such as finding a romantic partner.

Instead, they’re about the adventures he embarks on, the lessons he learns, and the person he becomes along the way.

This perspective allows Alex to find joy and fulfillment in his individual journey, independent of societal expectations or norms. It’s his journey, his happiness, and yes, his completeness.

The final reflection

If you find yourself nodding along to these behaviors, perhaps you’re one of those individuals who don’t need romance to feel fulfilled and content.

And that’s perfectly okay.

Societal norms may suggest otherwise, but remember, happiness is subjective.

It’s a personal journey, unique to each one of us.

The key lies in understanding what truly makes us feel complete, whether it involves romance or not.

Start by recognizing and embracing your unique traits.

Value your independence, cultivate diverse relationships, and most importantly, love yourself unconditionally. Remember, it’s your journey, and you have the autonomy to define what happiness means to you.

This doesn’t mean dismissing the idea of romance entirely. But it does mean giving ourselves the permission to seek fulfillment outside the confines of romantic relationships.

Isabella Chase

Isabella Chase, a New York City native, writes about the complexities of modern life and relationships. Her articles draw from her experiences navigating the vibrant and diverse social landscape of the city. Isabella’s insights are about finding harmony in the chaos and building strong, authentic connections in a fast-paced world.

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