It may sound odd; how can you have a relationship with yourself? Surely a relationship requires at least one other person…
I’m here to advocate for the importance of building a relationship with yourself, as I truly believe that being comfortable with spending time by yourself (and being able to enjoy the time spent alone) is something that everyone should master. I know for some people, the idea of going somewhere alone makes them shiver with awkwardness and embarrassment. The last thing they want to do is spend a day out, and they would rather stick pins in their eyes than ask for a “table for one” in a restaurant. However, some of my favourite days out have been the ones where I’ve gone alone.
I’ve always been an independent person and learnt quite early on that, often, people will let you down, so if you want to go somewhere or do something, it’s usually easier to just book it for yourself. And if your friends/family get their act together, great, they can come too. But if not, no harm done; going alone will be just as fun. Last spring, I went to Edinburgh for the day by myself and it was lovely. I booked my trains for the times I wanted, I had brunch in a café that had been on my list to try for ages, and I sauntered around the city at my own pace, following my own schedule. I could stop and look at whatever I wanted, and I had no one there to complain, or defer my plans.
Since coming to University, I have taken joy in having the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want, whether that be as simple as going to Asda, or jumping on a train to a nearby city. Learning to appreciate your own company, and not being afraid to explore the places around you, even if you don’t have a friend to take with you, are something that I will always be a supporter of.