By: Kristin Norman Copy Editor
Being in a healthy relationship can help someone learn about themselves and what they need from another person. As a young, recently married person, I have a lot of growing to do despite my personal relationship. In what many call a process of self-actualization, I will spend the rest of my life working to love and know myself more.
While it is great having someone hold me accountable for my actions, challenging me to be a better person and encouraging me in my efforts, the bottom line is that only I can decide to change.
Nobody else can do the difficult task of self-improvement for me. I’ve witnessed far too many people my age seek out self-fulfillment in others while forgetting that they are not who they date.
That being said, I don’t agree with the idea that people should only try dating as a means to understanding who they are and what they want. This way of thinking implies that singledom is something to be overcome instead of embraced.
It may sound overly cliché coming from a married person, but there are times when I miss the independence that comes with being single. Singleness provides the opportunity to explore avenues of life without the influence of another person. However, I also believe it’s possible to be with someone who doesn’t hinder your ability to explore those avenues.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, remember that being in college is a masterful balancing act that involves the process of self-actualization. If you’re single: be empowered and take the opportunity to know and love yourself. If you’re in a committed relationship: find time to better yourself with the help of someone you love.
Please contact the author at keck14@wou.edu.com
