“I can’t wait for yours”
“Stop being too picky”
“There is this guy I know”
“Are you sure no one has a approached you with a proposal”
“I will give you my bouquet after the wedding for good luck.”
If you are single and in your late 20s, I know these phrases are too familiar. You dread going home for Christmas and other gatherings because your singleness will be on the agenda. Being single myself and in the late 20s, I understand the pressure. The fact that it is on all sides makes it worse. Everyone refuses to see your achievements and narrows down on the one thing that hasn’t happened yet; Your wedding. In this article, you will get to learn some practical ways of handling these pressures.
Establish why you are still single
Most women sure want to get married someday. So why are you single? List down your reasons. Some of the reasons most women come up with are:
- I haven’t found the one
- I want to study first
- I want to settle down at 30
- I am healing from a heartbreak
These four reasons narrow down to just one: I Haven’t found the one. If you find a person that loves you and you love them back, all these other reasons become secondary. You find a way of adjusting your calendar for them as they also do the same.
Set Boundaries
Family and friends are good, but if you do not draw out your boundaries you will be insane. Become assertive in communicating your goals to them. Limit how much your family and friends discuss your relationship status. These clear boundaries will also help you become mentally and emotionally healthy.
Create a Supportive Network
Cultivate relationships that understand and respect your journey. Seek out Friends, mentors, and support groups to share. A supportive network will help you with coping with the external stress of settling.
Focus on Personal Growth
Do not allow your single season to pass you by. Do something with it. If you need to go back to school, then this is the time. Learn a skill or look for ways of advancing your career. Create that life that makes you happy.
Reframe Success
You might have copied from other people what success looks like, its time to ditch that. Write your own definition. If you are still single at 25 years, defining success as being married by 23 will only give you ulcers. Embrace the idea that personal and professional achievements are also success. Celebrate these milestones.
Embrace Independence
Celebrate your independence and autonomy. Whether in your career or personal life, embracing independence empowers you to make decisions that align with your values and aspirations, unburdened by external expectations.
Work towards Financial Freedom
Take charge of your financial well-being. Develop a financial plan, save for the future, and cultivate financial independence. Being financially savvy provides a sense of security and enables you to make decisions based on your goals rather than external pressures.
Embrace your Singlehood
Challenge the societal stigma around singlehood. Embrace this period of self-discovery and independence, recognizing that a fulfilling life is not contingent on a romantic relationship. Use this time to build a strong foundation for your personal and professional future.
Practise Self-care
Prioritise self-care to maintain emotional and mental well-being. The pressure to settle down can be stressful, so establish routines that prioritise your health, both physically and emotionally. This includes regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and seeking professional support when needed.
Conclusion
In essence, the late 20s are not a deadline but an opportunity—a chance to explore, grow, and build the life that resonates with your true self. As you navigate this transformative phase, hold onto the belief that your journey is valid, regardless of societal expectations.
Embrace the power within you to shape your destiny, and remember that settling down is just one of many beautiful chapters in the novel of your life.
The most empowering decision you can make is to live authentically, unapologetically, and on your own terms. As you do so, you pave the way for a future that is uniquely yours, filled with purpose, fulfilment, and the joy of living life on your own timeline.
