I checked out of my relationship a couple of months ago. It had gotten to the point where things were not so great anymore. When the bad outweighs the good in a relationship, that’s a telltale sign that it’s time to let go and move on, so I did just that. I took action.
1. Decorated Home
There were several things around the house that I neglected to do, but after the breakup I suddenly felt compelled to do so. One of the first things I decided to do was to change my environment. I needed to feel comfortable in my own living space so I treated myself to a new look. I mounted the TV above the fireplace, bought a shaggy new rug from IKEA and a coffee table. This took my mind off of being bogged down by one woman. Thanks IKEA.
2. Saved Money
It’s no secret that being in a relationship can take a serious toll on your personal finances. Over the course of my 9 month relationship, my savings took a dive well over $3000. If you do the math, that’s basically a car payment on a new Mustang each month. Now that I no longer have to spend money on us, I am able to recoup that money back slowly but surely. Great.
3. Diet And Exercise
I’ve been saving money by eating out less and not having to pay for dinner dates. I buy food for one instead of two and my meal choices are fairly clean.
When it comes to exercise, I’m more inclined to workout now than I was during the last few months of my relationship. In those bitter last few months, I gained 5-10 pounds from her stressing me out all the time. Sadly, she gained weight too (probably twice as much), which solidified my decision to end things and made it that much easier. I got a new gym membership.
4. Time With Family
Instead of spending time with her, I’ve been able to spend more quality time with family — something I don’t get to do that often. It feels great to enjoy downtime and holidays with close friends and relatives without dealing with unnecessary drama and headaches.
5. Time In General
I decided to spend more time towards advancing my career and investing in personal development. Since being in a relationship, I almost lost track of my life goals — almost. You see, for most women getting hitched is a life goal and my ex had it all figured out (supposedly).
I did my homework. The average cost for a wedding is $30,000 and a divorce cost upwards of $15,000 (I know, scary shit). Maybe I just wasn’t ready. Maybe I’ll never be ready but I feel like I dodged a bullet here.
6. Less Stress
Bob Marley said it best, “No woman, no cry”. I no longer have to worry about certain things like divorce. I don’t have to check in or listen to anyone constantly nag about who knows what. Less stress means exactly that. Best of all, and even more compelling, is the fact that I don’t have to spend long hours texting and talking on the phone anymore.
7. Read More
Yes, I get to read more books. I will never forget the time when my ex got upset because I wanted to get off the phone to finish reading something interesting. Her exact words were, “So that book is more important than me?” Pause.
I don’t complain when you’re watching Say Yes to the Dress or The Real Housewives or any of that bullshit. Leave me the hell alone when I want to read something educational to better myself. Oh that’s right… I’m single. I can do what I want now.
8. Do Whatever I Want
The freedom of doing whatever I want is liberating (let me tell you). It’s great to be able to focus on the things I enjoy in life without being held responsible for someone else’s feelings or feeling guilty. I can officially hang out, party, eat, sleep, drink and have sex with whoever I want — whenever I want.
9. New Car
Speaking of doing whatever I want, during a crazy night of YOLO-ing, I managed to wrap my vehicle around a pole and total it. Blame it on the alcohol and The Evil Nut (we’ll get into that later). There are three great things that came from this incident. 1) I made it out alive with only a sprain. 2) I learned to not drink brown liquor and drive. 3) I lost my old ride for a new pussy magnet.
10. Drink Less
Ironically, nowadays I drink less. See how it all works out?