The world is a big place. You’ll find people who pride themselves on being single while others you encounter feel like they just can’t make it alone. Time alone can give you time to reflect. It can often be a great time to figure your life out- what your goals are, how you plan on making them happen and what kind of a person you are looking for to fit into your life.

You can positively affect your next relationship by what you choose to do on your own. Use this time to pave way for a new, healthy relationship. Allow yourself to find happiness. Be sure that you’re taking a good amount of time to be single and not jumping into the next thing too quick. Rebounds can often lead to disaster.

How to Begin:

Date Yourself

Go to that new restaurant you had your eye on or go see that movie. Maybe try playing paint ball or visit a local aquarium. Learn to go out and do things on your own instead of waiting for someone you can go do it with. If you’re intrigued by something don’t wait around- go out and do it. Maybe you’ll become the expert on it and able to bring somebody on a date to it eventually.

Identify Baggage

“Baggage” doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s nothing more than an accumulation of your past and events or relationships that brought you to where you are. It can often be something that weighs on you but it can also help define what you want or where you are going.

The first step is admitting that you have baggage and finding where you make mistakes or feel weighed down by the past. The second thing is trying to get rid of some. You can be candid when you meet someone but take time to fix what you can in a healthy way, have a heart to heart with someone, get rid of ex’s maybe even go to therapy.

Follow a Create Routine

Balance your time and life to suit you. Follow a routine that makes you happy and feel healthy. Add in whatever exercise, hobbies and food you want. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep for your body and eating at times that make you feel good so that you know how to add somebody into your life.

Know What You’re Looking For

People aren’t yo-yos. You have to be respectful to others. If you’re unsure of the type of relationship you want then you shouldn’t be in one yet. This puts a mental strain on you and the other person. Are you looking for something serious or casual dating? Know first so you can be honest and eliminate rough times and heart break.

Know Your Strengths

It might be a cliché but love yourself first and be proud of what you can offer. Not even just looks but also in terms of strength, jobs and security.

Know Your Weaknesses

Admit when you know that you do something annoying or immature. Reflect back on your last relationship and be mindful of what you need to work on to strengthen yourself.

Now that we’re just starting 2016, make this year a year to remember. Don’t be afraid to be alone and get to a point where you know your next relationship will be a great one. If you have any other tips to add feel free to send us a tweet @GFMDating