Bella Breakdown

Most of us like to believe that we each have a soulmate (or maybe multiple soulmates) who are wandering the earth just waiting for us to find them. Others believe that there are many possible matches for one person, and that relationships just need time and nurturing. Whatever your philosophy on love, don’t be frustrated if you haven’t met your perfect match yet. Take some time to reflect and think about some things that might be in your way, even if you didn’t know it.

1. Do you have a good relationship with yourself?

It may be hard to evaluate, but you have to have a good relationship with yourself before you can be in a relationship with anyone else. If you don’t think that you’ve achieved a good level of self love, then maybe it’s time to take a step back and nurture that relationship before taking on another one.

2. Are you open minded?

Even if you answer “yes” right off the bat, are you really open to any possibility? Or do you still have that checklist in the back of your mind at all times? Put the lists and notes away, and let yourself be open to anyone and anything. You may be holding yourself back!

3. Is your timeline unrealistic?

As you get older, are you forcing your relationship status because you want to achieve a certain goal by a certain time? If you tell yourself you have to get married by 28, or have kids by 30, you’re going to be pressured and settle for something that’s not right.

4. Do you have a strong support network?

Not only is the best way to meet someone through friends or mutual connections, but a strong support network ensures that you have good relationships in your life already, and aren’t trying to artificially create something that you lack.