"It’s probably not just by chance that I’m alone. It would be very hard for a man to live with me, unless he’s terribly strong. And if he’s stronger than I, I’m the one who can’t live with him"

This quote really nails the complexity of finding a partner when you’re someone with a strong personality. The core idea here is that being alone isn’t necessarily bad luck—it might be because of who you are and what you need. If you're a strong person, it’s tough to find someone who can handle you, but if they’re too strong, then it’s you who can’t handle them. It’s a tricky balance.

Think about the times when women were often expected to be submissive and supportive, not dominant or independent. This quote speaks to the struggles of anyone who doesn’t fit that mold. Maybe it’s from a famous independent woman or a trailblazer in her field. It highlights the double-edged sword of being strong in a world that often values women for their compliance rather than their strength.

Picture a real-life example: Imagine a fiercely independent woman, like Oprah Winfrey. She’s got her own empire and a powerful personality. Finding someone who can match her strength without overshadowing or being overshadowed by her? That’s no small feat. She’s got to find a person who’s equally strong yet secure enough to support her without feeling threatened.

So, how do you apply this in your life? First, recognize that it’s okay to be alone if the right person hasn’t come along. Better to be alone than to compromise your strength for someone who can't handle it. Be upfront about who you are and what you need. Don’t settle for someone who tries to dim your light or who shines so brightly that it eclipses you.

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a coffee shop, waiting for a friend, and you overhear a woman talking about her recent breakup. She says, “I loved him, but he just couldn’t deal with how ambitious I am. He made me feel like I had to choose between my career and our relationship.” You nod to yourself because you’ve been there. You know that feeling of being “too much” for someone.

In your own life, you’ve probably faced times when you felt like you were too much—too loud, too ambitious, too independent. Maybe you’ve dated people who felt threatened by your success or tried to change you to fit their idea of a partner. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the thing: being strong doesn’t mean you have to be alone; it just means you need to find the right fit.

Think about it like this: being alone isn’t a weakness. It’s a sign that you’re strong enough to wait for the right person. It’s about finding someone who complements you, not completes you. Someone who sees your strength as a plus, not a problem.

So, the next time you’re feeling down about being single, remember this quote. It’s not just chance—you’re holding out for someone who’s just right for you. And that’s something to be proud of. You’re strong, and your perfect match will be strong enough to stand beside you, not in front of or behind you. Keep being you, unapologetically.