"It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone."

Sometimes, being alone is better than being in a miserable relationship. This idea isn't just about avoiding heartbreak or drama, it's about understanding that your own peace and well-being should come first. When you're unhappy with someone, that unhappiness often multiplies. You might feel trapped, constantly on edge, or even start to lose sight of who you are. Alone, you at least have the chance to focus on yourself, to heal, and to grow.

Consider the era when this sentiment really started to gain traction — the mid-20th century. This is when people began questioning traditional ideas about marriage and relationships. Women, in particular, were fighting for independence and the notion of staying in an unhappy marriage just to avoid being alone started to seem outdated. It was a time of huge social change, and this idea was a part of that shift.

Think about Jane. She’s a friend of mine, and her story is a perfect example of this idea in real life. Jane was in a long-term relationship with Mike. On the surface, things seemed fine. But every time we met for coffee, she looked more and more drained. She'd talk about how Mike's negativity was wearing her down, how his constant criticism made her doubt herself. Jane was losing her spark. After a lot of soul-searching, she decided to leave. It wasn’t easy — being alone felt daunting at first. But over time, she rediscovered her passions. She took up painting again, something she hadn’t done since college. She started traveling, making new friends, and slowly, she became happier. Jane told me that choosing to be alone was the best decision she ever made. She had space to become herself again.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? First, take a good hard look at your relationship. Are you staying because you genuinely love this person, or because you're scared of being alone? If it's the latter, it might be time to reconsider. Focus on building a life that you love, one where you’re happy with or without a partner. Engage in activities that make you feel alive, strengthen your friendships, and invest in your own growth.

Imagine you're in a scenario where every day feels like a struggle. You're with someone who doesn't support you, doesn't understand you, and instead of feeling like a team, you feel like adversaries. You start to dread coming home, and the arguments leave you drained. Now, picture the alternative. It's just you, maybe in a cozy apartment or a small house. Sure, some evenings are quiet, and loneliness creeps in occasionally. But you're free. Free to make your own decisions, to follow your own path, to build a life that reflects your true self. That freedom is invaluable.

In the end, it all boils down to this: your happiness and peace of mind are crucial. Don't settle for a relationship that makes you unhappy just to avoid being alone. Choose yourself, invest in your well-being, and build a life that you love — even if it means doing it solo for a while. You deserve that.