The best way to love someone else is not by losing yourself in them, but growing yourself so you can grow with them.
Maybe I wasn’t able to catch up on a few episodes of my favorite show. And maybe I keep making extra dinner because I’m used to making it for two. And maybe now Varick and I are each other’s best friends on snapchat because we constantly send each other so many snaps during the day. And maybe good morning texts are somewhat something I got a little more excited about right when I woke up.
Being in a relationship with my best friend for almost three years and change now can make you forget your own hobbies, own interests and own self.
It’s always tough when your significant other goes away for a while. You’re used to having someone there almost all the time and all of a sudden, they’re miles away and maybe even a timezone over.
I almost forgot how it’s like to be alone. Slightly forgot how to be alone too.
Here’s what I got to do while he was away:
1. Dinner for one.
Scary huh? Date yourself. Trust me, it’s not as bad as you make it sound in your head. Take yourself out once in a while. What better time to do it than now.
2. Movie ticket for one.
If you can’t enjoy your own company, how can you enjoy yourself with another?
3. Take a trip away.
I got to spend quality time with my sister at Bermuda while he was away. Learned to dive and swim. Went beach hopping and even rode horses.
4. Catch up with old friends.
It really shows you who’s there for you when you’re left to deal with so much time in your hands. Pick up the phone and call your girls to have a sleepover. That’s what I did.
5. Embrace yourself.
Did a homemade spa night with my best friend at the apartment while watching travel videos. Only thing missing were brownies and ice cream.
6. Go through your reading list.
I finally was able to get some reading done and one that I highly recommend is Lullabies by Lang Leav.
Love yourself and love being around yourself. It’s hard to remember a simple thing like that when you’re so used to sharing everything with another. But it’s that strength you have when alone that will remind you that you’re stronger than you think. No one can take that away from you.
Obviously I can’t wait until he comes back home, binge watch our shows and order take out and walk aimlessly around the park for hours, but I’m also glad I got to spend time and get to know me a little more as well.
Jeanne wears [ crop tank by Primark, White Culottes by H&M, straw hat by American Eagle]