Finding lasting love is no easy task, and it becomes even more difficult when you're swayed by the expectations of others. Letting go of your 'shoulds' in favor of your 'wants' can help you reconnect with what truly matters in your romantic life.
Life is full of 'shoulds.' We often tell ourselves 'I should do this, or I should do that,' but these 'shoulds' are usually influenced by what we think others expect from us. This might be fine for some areas of life, but it’s not ideal when it comes to matters of love. Dating expert and author of He’s Just Not Your Type (And That’s a Good Thing): How to Find Love Where You Least Expect It, Andrea Syrtash, recommends switching up your vocabulary to gain a clearer view of who you are and what you truly desire:
I despise the word 'should.' Don’t 'should' all over yourself. When we use the word 'should,' it often reflects someone else's 'should.' We’re thinking about what our parents, friends, or society might think. But when we silence these 'should voices,' we can really tune into what we want... replacing 'should' with 'want' helps us be more authentic and happier.
When you feel like you 'should' do something or be with someone, it can conflict with what you know will actually bring you happiness. For instance, instead of giving in to others' expectations and thinking 'I should be with this person,' simply focus on what you want and think 'I want to be with this person,' even if it surprises others. Forget what others think, pursue what makes you happy, and be your true self. As Syrtash wisely advises, 'Date somebody you would be with if nobody else was looking.' You can find more information at the link below.
Image courtesy of Carlos ZGZ.
