When you are single, it may feel like everyone is married or in a relationship. You always seem to notice what you don’t have. And, of course, not only is everyone in a relationship but they seem to be very happy and in a relationship.

I'm here to tell you there is hope, you can be single and happy.

This can leave you feeling lonely. You may feel you are the only one that feels this way. But, the truth of the matter is that nearly half of the population is single. What this means, is that you aren’t alone.

Remember, Sex In The City. They all had different ways for coping with being single. What got them through it was their friendship, and in the end they didn’t end up alone. I think this is what everyone fears, being alone. This means you need to face the reality that you are human, which means you are needy.

Try not to be too hard on yourself for this one. It’s not easy for a lot of people to admit. But, the one thing we all have in common is that we are needy and don’t want to be alone. You may try to cover it up with material items. They may make you feel good in the moment, or temporarily. But, nothing beats knowing that someone else…

Read more: 11 Tips For Being Single And Happy

I’m sure by now you’ve heard of self care. This is something a lot of people are talking about these days. But, not a lot of people are practicing it. So, why not? I ask a lot of my clients what their self care plan looks like. And, the number one answer I get is, ‘What is that?’

Then they Google, Why Should I Take Care Of Myself?

Honestly, I think that is kind of sad. People are too busy working or taking care of others, to even think about taking care of themselves. This may come from a very old belief, that taking care of yourself is selfish. Believe it or not, when people Google self care they ask what it is rather than how to do it?

Many things play a part. Your gender, race and socioeconomic status. Believe it or not, some believe you must be rich to practice self care. That is total nonsense. There is no truth to it. Don’t believe the lie that self care isn’t for you. If you don’t have a self care plan, then you need to start one today.

It can be simple. Instead of rushing through your shower, slow down a little. Wash your hair with some nice shampoo, and take your time. Massage your scalp. Instead of being on your phone until the…

Read more: Why Should I Take Care Of Myself? Here Are The Top 20 Reasons.

When you make the decision to have a child, it is a lifelong commitment.

Of course, there are different stages. As an infant, your child is 100% dependent on you. The child see’s the parent as their whole world.

Of course, this will change. They will become more independent, but they will still need you. What’s important is that your child knows that you love them, no matter what. This means they need your time. This is the best gift you can give them.

It’s easy to get caught up in all of your other responsibilities, but they will always be there. Your child will grow up fast, so, spend as much time with your child as possible. This doesn’t mean you have to give up yourself in the process, but it does mean that your priorities will change.

Here are 8 benefits, for you and your child when you make it a lifelong commitment:

1. You will always feel emotionally connected to your child. This is an important one. This is not only good for you, it is good for your child. You want your child to feel safe telling you anything. You do this by loving your child and accepting your child for who they are.
2. Your child will always need you. In the beginning, this one is obvious.But, after a while your child…

Read more: Why Raising A Child Is A Lifelong Commitment?

You’ve been hurt in the past. This makes it hard to trust yourself. You really like this guy. You can feel it in your gut.

But, what if he’s the one? Or, just another guy that hurts you?

It’s easy to feel this way when you’ve been hurt in the past. It’s actually a good thing that you are questioning the relationship. This means you take it seriously. Try not to overthink it, that never ends good.

The first thing you need to do when you are dating someone is to ask yourself, ‘what are you looking for in a relationship?’ Meaning, do you want a long term relationship with a committed partner? If you answered yes, then continue reading.

This is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. Do you want to stay with this guy? Is he the one you want to commit to? If you are in it for the long term, then you want to know that he feels the same.

Here are 11 ways to know, if he's the one?:

1. He’s seen you at your worst, and hasn’t left. He stuck with you when you got fired from your job, and your roommate suddenly moved out. You really had a break down at that time. But, that didn’t scare him away. He was there for you.…

Read more: How Do You Know, If He's The One That Really Loves You?