Being in a relationship isn’t a necessity, it’s a choice. And a choice you must make wisely. Don’t rush into it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being single. It actually has many benefits. As long as you’re happy with yourself, and don’t need a relationship to feel complete or happy, you’re on the right track. And being satisfied while you’re single can really set you up for a good relationship when you finally decide to get into one (or the other).

We at the blog Me In Apaixonei have prepared 8 things you can do while you are single to ensure your next relationship is totally healthy:

1- Do some things yourself

One of the things that a relationship guarantees is companionship between two people. There is someone you can always count on to do something together. Whether it’s something you’ve done a million times or something you never thought you’d do one day.

While you’re single, make a list of things you’d like to do. Things you’ve always dreamed of doing but never pursued. Take advantage of this opportunity and start doing the things on the list. It might seem strange to try a new restaurant or take a trip on your own, but you’ll get used to it. You will see that you don’t need anyone else to do the things you want to do and be happy about it.

2- Reflect on the emotional baggage you carry

We have all gone through moments of sadness in our lives, but we all also one day overcome or will overcome these moments.. Bad experiences are the best teachers. Emotional scars can always hurt, but it’s how you deal with them, and what you’ve learned from them, that will dictate your future. And as soon as you get into a relationship, present yourself the way you are, you shouldn’t pretend that you’ve never had any bad experiences. It’s only fair for your partner to know what kind of person he’s dealing with.

Read Also: 9 Signs He Loves You Immensely And Will Never Leave You

3- Try to reduce that baggage

Many things happen to us throughout the day. We go through both good and bad situations, and all of this impacts us, whether we choose to face them or not. But it’s good to know what makes you act the way you do. And if there’s a way to get rid of the things that keep bothering you, do it! Get rid of all the negativity you’ve accumulated over the years and find peace. When you are at peace with yourself, you can focus on the person who will come into your life.

4- Define your priorities and goals

While in a relationship you have to make a lot of adjustments, and often those adjustments mean giving up things you enjoy, when you’re single it can be that some priorities slip by unnoticed. In a love life we must have certain priorities that will lead us to grow together. So, while you are single, list some priorities in your life, such as completing your college, learning a musical instrument, taking a trip to Paris, etc. You will be ready to enter a relationship as soon as you achieve your goals being single.

SEE ALSO: Don’t demand from others what you won’t be willing to give back

5- Keep in mind what you want from a relationship

Most of the time, relationships don’t work because the couple is not walking together towards the same goal. To avoid something like that, think about what you want in a partner and in a relationship when you’re still single.

6- Learn from other couples

You may be single at the moment, but people around you, friends, and family may be in healthy, long-term relationships. Find out how they’ve done it so far and what their secrets to a healthy relationship are. You can also look at what your main mistakes are and how you could take action not to make them. Also note the things that can make relationships last and how healthy couples interact with each other.

7- Reflect on your mistakes

Your past relationship ended for some reason, and you and your ex should be equally responsible for that. You can’t put all the blame on the other person, after all a relationship is made of TWO people. Only when you find out what your mistakes were and reflect on how you will go about not making them again will you be ready to enter a new relationship!

8- Appreciate the good in you

Making mistakes or making the wrong decisions doesn’t make you a horrible person, it just shows how human you are. You can’t go back in time and change anything. Let the past be past. If you’ve regretted something you’ve done, apologize to the person and don’t do it again. You have your flaws, but you also have many virtues. You are much better than you think! If you don’t realize your strengths, no one else will.