Independent men are called bosses, real men and attractive. People see them with respect and admiration. Women want to be with them. Other men want to be them. Independent men aren’t just appreciated; it’s what’s expected of men.
Now, for an independent woman? the script gets flipped. Independent women are called demeaning names and are looked down on. They are seen as snobby and incapable of showing or receiving love. Women are jealous of them and some men find them undesirable.
Now if independence is encouraged in men, then why can’t it be encouraged in women? Why should women be forced to apologize for being independent? Why do men want us to just sit at home and look pretty?
Women should never apologize for being independent. Life is not all sunshine and rainbows; terrible things happen every day. When life throws you a curveball, don’t you want to be able to deal with it?
Of course, some guys like having their girlfriends completely rely on them to do practically everything — it probably feeds their egos and gives them a superior feeling. I would imagine, however, after a while, they’d want a woman who can handle her own life.
Independence can also keep a relationship intact. When you are an independent person in a relationship, you are able to have the needed distance from your boyfriend or girlfriend. Couples cannot be together all of the time. Having your alone time or time with just your closest friends is important.
Like the saying goes “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” and it is completely true. When you are apart, you are able to have your own experiences and make your own memories that you can then share when you are finally together again.
Independence does not mean you do not need other people ever. Especially for a relationship, needing each other is important from time to time. Everyone needs help sometimes. Dealing with life alone will make you feel like you are drowning. Independence just means you can admit to yourself when you need help.
The word “independent” does not mean you are incapable of creating meaningful relationships with people. Independent people still have families and friends they love. It just means you don’t depend on those people forever. It means you are secure enough in yourself to respectfully disagree with those people and still maintain the relationship. It means you understand when compromises need to be made and you are able to make them.
Independence ultimately means you are secure in yourself, and that is the most important part of having a successful life. When you are secure in your own skin, you can make better decisions in life. You live life according to what makes you happy and keeps you healthy. You are able to love because you love yourself.
So when someone is trying to beat you down because you are independent, cut them loose. This just means that person isn’t secure with themselves and wants everyone to be as miserable as they are. You should only allow people in your life who will help build you up and accept you for who you are.
