I didn’t choose the single life; the single life chose me. That’s how I feel, at least. I have always been a bit of a loner. I like my space and I need my introvert time.

BUT, that does not mean that I want to be alone forever. I want to be with someone that can appreciate solitude. I want to be with someone that can sit in a room with me and be fine with the silence between us. I don’t want to be with someone that is constantly paranoid that if I do not speak, then I must be angry.

I want to be with someone that not only encourages me to be myself, but causes me to become a better version of myself. In relationships that are not right, two people end up stifling each other instead of embracing one another for who they are.

I live a life of my own in my mind, but I do not mind sharing parts of that world with someone else, but they do have to earn that privilege. If you can relate, these 20 contemplative quotes are for you:

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1.

I like being alone. I have control over my own shit. Therefore, in order to win me over, your presence has to feel better than my solitude. You’re not competing with another person; you are competing with my comfort zones.

—Horacio Jones

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2.

I’ve been single for awhile and I have to say, it’s going very well. Like… it’s working out. I think I’m the one.

—Emily Heller

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3.

I’m so proud of myself for every single decision I’ve made this year. From cutting people off to changing my priorities.

—Jade Hillary

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4.

Finding your passion isn’t just about careers and money. It’s about finding your authentic self—the one you’ve buried beneath other people’s needs.

—Kristin Hannah

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5.

Choosing to be single isn’t selfish. It’s smarter to be alone than with the wrong person.

—Unknown

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6.

If I’m not with somebody who really excites or inspires me, then I’d rather be by myself.

—Blake Lively

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7.

Love in such a way that the person you love feels free.

—Thich Nhat Hanh

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8.

Embrace yourself. Life is constantly reminding us about what we don’t have, but what about all that we do have? What makes you special? What do you have to offer the world around you? What do you enjoy? Find the things that you do love about yourself. They’re enough.

—Unknown

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9.

Until you get comfortable with being alone, you’ll never know if you’re choosing someone out of love or loneliness.

—Mandy Hale

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10.

Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that you are.

—Unknown

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11.

Live from the heart. Seek to be whole, not perfect.

—Oprah

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12.

When I loved myself enough, I began leaving whatever wasn’t healthy. This meant people, jobs, my own beliefs and habits—anything that kept me small. My judgment called it disloyal. Now I see it as self-loving.

—Kim McMillen

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13.

Accept who you are and revel in it.

—Mitch Albom

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14.

I think the girl who is able to earn her own living and pay her own way should be as happy as anybody on earth. The sense of independence and security is very sweet.

—Susan B. Anthony

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15.

Somewhere there is someone looking for the strange you are.

—Atticus

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16.

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.

—Carl Jung

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17.

Embrace the glorious mess that you are.

—Elizabeth Gilbert

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18.

The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.

—Walt Disney

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19.

If you are going to trust one person, let it be yourself.

—Robert Tew

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20.

Cinderella never asked for a prince. She asked for a night off and a dress.

—Kiera Cass