In my time I have always heard “If you do not look for love that is when it will come to you. Right when you least expect it.”  

Well, I have been single for almost three years now and I still think it is just a lie people have convinced me to believe.  

Granted I am happy with where I am in life, in fact, I do not even have the time to deal with a partner of any sort, on top of running The Prospector, a full-time job and being a full-time student. 

However, there is peace in being alone, loving and living life by myself. Since leaving said relationship in December 2020, I have done so much soul searching alongside finding self-love. It may sound corny or cringey, but after dating someone for years, I believe you lose pieces of you that you used to value. As much as I hate to admit it, I lost myself at times trying to be the ‘perfect’ partner and there is no shame in putting in so much effort into one person, in fact I applaud but I realize now, how you cannot forget who you are and how much you love yourself.  

After a couple of months being single, I did the one thing I hoped to do with a partner; travel to New York City. I knew going would help revitalize my happiness and make myself realize I can do things on my own.   

So, on my plane ride home I realized I could be happy alone. Looking at myself almost two years since that trip, I feel happy with life. I do not need someone to tell me how talented I am. I do not need someone to tell me how pretty I am. 

 I do not need anyone to love me for me to love myself. Of course, the emotional connection of having someone kiss you, hold your hand or compliment everything you do is nice to hear but I feel at peace knowing I can survive without it.  

I know at a certain point love might come and who knows it could be when I least expect it.  

Right now, however, I am enjoying my life now and, in this moment, no matter what stresses of life I have I know I would not be where I am at if it were not for me realizing how much I invested in someone else and not into myself.   

So, take this, love yourself and love yourself well, you deserve it after all the hell you have been through. Even if it means going on an unnecessary vacation if need be. 

Itzel Giron is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at [email protected]; @by.itzel.giron on Instagram; @itzel_anahi_16 on Twitter.