Dating is not easy. In fact, it's hard, really hard. The hassle of trying to impress someone you want or to find things to do and agree upon becomes an annoyance.
Instead of constantly putting yourself through the dredges of dating, take a step back and reevaluate some things. That way you'll be able to look at the bigger picture and figure out if trying to find a soulmate is what your life really needs right now.
Even though it may not be the most exciting news to hear, sometimes it's best to take a break from the world of dating before submerging yourself in it even more. Here are six reasons why:
1. Rediscover yourself
The most vital reason to take a break is to gain a better understanding of yourself. Listen to what your mind and body tells you, understand that you are crucial to your own happiness. Put yourself first; figure out your passions and interests. From there you can properly grow from within.
2. Grow socially
You most likely have enough friends, so what? Growing a genuine desire to get to know your social circles better is nothing bad, it will only benefit you. In fact, a study was done at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh that proves the more friends you have the healthier lifestyle you live.
3. Timing is everything
Some people need to grow personally as one before they become two. In all respects, most people always have room for improvement. People need to give themselves time to become strong, so strong that they can easily stand on their own two feet, especially if a dating prospect does not work out. You need to be in a place where mentally you will not be ruined over a person not returning the same feelings you hold. You'll just move on to the next person and understand why it never would have worked with the other person.
4. Build your passions
We all have hobbies and interests. When we open ourselves up to dating, sometimes those interests can be neglected. I cannot count the amount of times I've seen friends quit something they always did that made them happy just for the sake of pleasing whomever they were seeing at the time. Not to say that the person you are dating's opinion does not matter, but just because you're dating someone does not mean you need to give up on your passions. You should be comfortable introducing them to things that you enjoy and love to do.
5. Observe and learn
Take this as an educational opportunity. I have refrained from the dating world for almost eight months now, and I have learned more from watching others date than I ever could from continually experiencing it myself.
Listening and observing what others go through teaches you a great deal about what to do and what not to do. It gives you an idea of what to expect, not to mention saves you from wasting your own or another person's time.
6. When dating has lost its luster
You're bored with dating. You have been in the game long enough to experience it all. Your dates consist of hiking one weekend, dinner and a movie the next. You've been there and done that; you wonder when there will be something new and edgy going to catch your eye. Once dating starts feeling like an obligation or a chore that is when you take the time to relax and take a break.
I'm not saying that dating is bad. I believe it can teach you a great deal. But I have refrained from the dating world for a good amount of time now, and believe me, all of the time spent away has been worth it. I have grown substantially as a person, developed stronger friendships and have become a stronger woman. If you feel like you need time off from dating, try it out for yourself and see how much it can change you.
