Women Who Took a Break from Dating to Work on Themselves Share Their Discoveries: 'I don't show up for people who invest in themselves less than I invest in myself'

Sometimes, you need to be on your own to find yourself. That's not to say that you can't have immense growth in a relationship, too, but sometimes women and men alike stay in relationships only because they have a fear of being alone. It can be scary to be by yourself, but in order to be truly happy in a relationship, you have to be happy with yourself first. And if that means taking a break from the dating pool to confront your issues head-on, sometimes it has to be done. I think the hardest part is getting the courage to take that leap. But once you've done it, all you have to do from there is grow. Try out things you like and things you don't like. You can be whoever you want.

In the thread, women who have already made the leap and conquered shared their stories. From deepening friendships to picking up new hobbies and finding true inner happiness, these women all attest that the journey is so worth it. No one said it was easy, but it's easier to open yourself to true, unwavering, and deserving love once you've found out how to love yourself as you are.