8 traits of women who don’t need romance in their lives to feel fulfilled

I remember reading a People interview with actress Diane Keaton last year. Now, Diane alone would’ve been enough to catch my attention – she’s one of my favorite actresses in the world. 

But this time, what struck my fancy was the headline that she hadn’t dated in 15 years. Add to that a bold statement: “I don’t think it would have been a good idea for me to have married, and I’m really glad I didn’t…”

For me, that was such a brave stance, although for Ms. Keaton and people like her, it’s probably no big deal. Romance doesn’t just factor in so much when it comes to their level of life satisfaction. 

That doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate it when it comes, but they just don’t really need it to feel fulfilled. 

Why are they this way? It’s because they possess the following unique traits:

1) They have a strong sense of self

For women who don’t need romance to feel fulfilled in life, self-awareness is key. 

They have a deep understanding of who they are, their interests, values, and beliefs. It’s precisely why they feel content and whole on their own, without needing someone else to make them feel complete or happy.

They’re not waiting around for someone else to say they’re good enough. Instead, they’re cool with who they are, quirks and all. They love themselves just as they are, which is pretty powerful. 

In a world that often tells us we need someone else to be happy, these women stand out because they find happiness inside themselves.

Anything else – like romance – is just icing on the cake. 

2) They’ve experienced heartbreak

Heartbreak is something that I’ve personally gone through and, while it was incredibly painful at the time, I can say it has definitely shaped me into the woman I am today.

These women, too, have likely had their fair share of romantic disappointments. They’ve had their hearts broken, dreams shattered, and trust betrayed.

But they didn’t let these experiences define them or dampen their spirits. Instead, they took them as life lessons and opportunities for growth. 

As I mentioned earlier, they’ve learned to love themselves more, to stand strong on their own, to be resilient in the face of adversity.

They’ve realized that they don’t need romance to heal their broken hearts or fill any voids in their lives. They can do that on their own. 

Their past experiences have empowered them to be self-reliant, teaching them that they don’t need a romantic relationship to find happiness or feel fulfilled.

3) They are passionate about their interests

Speaking of having a strong sense of self, one way that women who don’t need romance develop that is by pursuing their passions and interests. 

Love isn’t exactly front of mind when there’s so much out there to explore. It could be anything – from painting to hiking, from cooking to coding. These interests give them a sense of purpose, joy, and satisfaction that goes beyond any romantic relationship.

Their passions enrich their lives in ways that romance simply can’t. They don’t need a partner to feel fulfilled – their passions do that for them.

4) They maintain strong social connections

Did you know that maintaining strong social connections can increase our lifespan and decrease chances of mental health issues?

Women who don’t need romance to feel fulfilled often have a strong network of friends and family. These relationships provide them with emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

They’re not afraid to lean on their loved ones when they’re going through tough times or share their happiness when things are going well. These connections allow them to experience love, warmth, and care without the need for a romantic relationship.

Their social circle is their safety net, their sounding board, their cheerleading squad. It’s these relationships that they cherish and nurture, understanding the value that such bonds bring to their lives.

They don’t need romance to feel loved or cared for – they have a tribe that provides them with all the love and care they need.

5) They are independent

Independence is another trait I’ve noticed in these women that seems to fuel their sense of fulfillment.

They relish the freedom to make their own choices, set their own schedules, and live life on their terms. They don’t need to compromise on their preferences or alter their lifestyle to accommodate a partner.

They are financially independent, taking pride in earning their own money and managing their finances. This gives them the freedom to make decisions without having to consider someone else’s opinion or approval.

Their independence also extends to emotional well-being. They have learned to manage their emotions, deal with life’s ups and downs, and find happiness within themselves.

They know that they are capable of taking care of themselves, both physically and emotionally. 

Talk about self-empowerment! 

6) They value their alone time

Alone time is something I’ve come to cherish. It’s during these moments that I can truly relax, recharge, and reflect.

The women we’re talking about also understand the importance of spending time alone. They see it as an opportunity to enjoy their own company, explore their thoughts, and engage in self-care activities.

They don’t equate being alone with loneliness. Instead, they see it as a chance to reconnect with themselves, to delve deeper into their passions, or simply to enjoy a quiet evening with a good book or movie.

This brings me to my next point…

7) They pursue personal growth

For women who don’t need romance to feel fulfilled, the question is — so what does bring them fulfillment then? 

Well, if it still isn’t obvious by now, it’s personal growth. 

They continuously strive to better themselves, be it through acquiring new skills, furthering their education, or embarking on self-improvement journeys.

As a result, their self-worth and sense of accomplishment don’t rely on romantic relationships at all.

A huge part of it comes from knowing that they’re constantly evolving and becoming better versions of themselves. 

8) They have a positive self-image

So, because they’re all about personal growth, women who don’t need romance to feel fulfilled place a lot of importance on self-image. 

They see themselves as individuals of worth and value, regardless of their relationship status.

They don’t base their self-worth on whether they’re in a relationship or not. Instead, they derive their value from their abilities, accomplishments, and character. They know they’re more than just someone’s partner — they’re unique individuals with their own strengths and attributes.

This positive self-image gives them the confidence to navigate life on their own terms, to seek fulfillment in their own way. They don’t need someone else’s affection or approval to feel good about themselves. They know their worth, and that’s more than enough for them to feel fulfilled.

Final thoughts

These traits we’ve discussed illustrate that women can indeed find fulfillment without the presence of romance in their lives.

If you recognize yourself in these traits, know that it’s a testament to your strength, independence, and capacity for self-empowerment.

Our society often conditions us to believe that romantic love is the pinnacle of happiness and meaning. But these women, and perhaps you too, are a testament to the contrary.

Remember, fulfillment comes in many forms, and it’s different for each person. 

If you’re happy and fulfilled on your own terms, you’re doing it right. So continue to embrace your individuality, chase your dreams, enjoy your solitude, and celebrate your achievements.

After all, as another Diane – this time, designer Diane Von Furstenberg – once said, “The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself.” 

That is where the true key to fulfillment lies. 

Ava Sinclair

Ava Sinclair is a former competitive athlete who transitioned into the world of wellness and mindfulness. Her journey through the highs and lows of competitive sports has given her a unique perspective on resilience and mental toughness. Ava’s writing reflects her belief in the power of small, daily habits to create lasting change.

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