People who find fulfillment and happiness outside of romantic love often adopt these 9 habits

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | October 4, 2024, 10:38 pm

Fulfillment and happiness—while we often associate them with romantic love, they’re not exclusive to it.

In fact, many people find these feelings outside of relationships, through habits that nurture a deep sense of contentment and joy.

If you’re curious, like I was, about what these habits are, you’re in the right place.

In this article, I’ll share 9 habits that reveal happiness and fulfillment can be found in many areas of life, not just love.

So, let’s explore a fresh perspective on discovering joy and purpose beyond romantic relationships.

1) They prioritize self-care

Self-care is more than just a buzzword in the wellness industry.

People who find fulfillment and happiness outside of romantic relationships often understand this better than most.

They recognize the importance of taking time for themselves, to recharge, rejuvenate, and just be.

This isn’t about being selfish or isolating themselves from the world. It’s about understanding that their own well-being is crucial to their overall happiness.

These individuals often have certain routines or rituals that help them maintain this balance.

It could be anything from a daily meditation practice, regular workouts, or even just taking time to read a book.

The key here is that they make it a point to regularly engage in activities that nourish their soul and bring them joy.

2) They cultivate strong friendships

Have you ever heard of the term ‘social capital’? It’s a concept often discussed in psychology and sociology.

Social capital refers to the benefits we derive from our social relationships, including emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

Here’s the thing: those who find happiness outside of romantic love understand the value of social capital.

They invest time and energy in building strong, meaningful friendships.

They surround themselves with people who uplift them, inspire them, and who they can count on in times of need.

These individuals know that friendships not only enrich their lives but also contribute to their overall sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Maintaining good friendships, just like a garden, requires care and attention. But the rewards? They’re absolutely worth it.

3) They are comfortable with solitude

While strong friendships are important, those who find happiness outside of romantic love also understand the value of solitude.

Yes, it might seem contradictory at first.

But, being alone and being lonely are not the same thing.

These individuals appreciate the quiet moments they spend by themselves. They see solitude as an opportunity for self-reflection, self-discovery, and personal growth.

This doesn’t mean they’re hermits or that they avoid people. Quite the opposite.

Their comfort with solitude stems from a place of self-assuredness. They don’t view being alone as something to fear, but rather as an empowering and enriching experience.

This ability to enjoy one’s own company, while also valuing social connections, creates a balance that contributes to their sense of fulfillment and happiness.

4) They engage in meaningful work

Ever wondered why some people seem to genuinely love their job?

People who find fulfillment and happiness outside of romantic love often engage in work they find meaningful.

This doesn’t necessarily mean they have high-powered careers or impressive job titles. Instead, it’s about doing something that aligns with their values and passions.

They might be a teacher shaping young minds, a gardener creating beautiful spaces, or an entrepreneur solving problems.

What matters is that they feel their work contributes positively to the world in some way.

When you derive satisfaction and joy from what you do, it becomes more than just a job. It becomes a source of fulfillment and happiness that is independent of romantic love.

5) They practice gratitude regularly

Gratitude can be a powerful tool in creating a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Those who find these feelings outside of romantic love often make gratitude a regular practice.

They might do this in various ways, such as:

  • Writing in a gratitude journal every day
  • Expressing thanks to others for their help or kindness
  • Reflecting on the positive aspects of their day before going to bed

This isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges or difficulties. It’s about recognizing the good in life and acknowledging it, which can cultivate a deep sense of contentment and joy.

Gratitude isn’t just an emotion. It’s a choice, a habit, and for many, a way of life.

6) They nurture their interests and hobbies

Have you ever been so absorbed in an activity that you lost track of time?

I know I have and let me tell you, it’s an amazing feeling.

People who find fulfillment and happiness outside of romantic love often nurture their interests and hobbies.

They understand the joy of doing something purely for the love of it, without any external rewards or recognition.

It could be painting, hiking, playing a musical instrument, or even just reading a good book. What matters is that it brings them joy and allows them to express themselves.

We all have something that sparks our curiosity or creativity. So, let’s not deny ourselves the pleasure of pursuing these interests.

After all, our hobbies and interests can offer a sense of achievement, purpose, connectivity, and most importantly, happiness.

7) They are comfortable with change and uncertainty

Imagine you’ve just moved to a new city. You don’t know anyone, and everything feels unfamiliar.

How would you react? Would you be overwhelmed, or would you see it as an exciting new adventure?

People who achieve happiness outside of romantic love often fall into the latter category.

They are comfortable with change and uncertainty. They don’t view them as threats, but rather as opportunities for growth and new experiences.

This doesn’t mean they don’t experience fear or anxiety. But instead of letting these feelings paralyze them, they use them as a catalyst for positive action.

How do you respond to change or uncertainty in your life?

Embracing change, rather than resisting it, can open up new possibilities for fulfillment and happiness.

8) They seek personal growth

Personal growth is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

People who find fulfillment and happiness outside of romantic love often place a high value on personal growth. They’re always looking for ways to learn, improve, and evolve.

I remember a friend who took up martial arts in his late 40s. People thought it was unusual, but he didn’t let that deter him.

He said it made him feel alive and challenged him in ways he’d never experienced before.

It’s not about being perfect or becoming someone else. It’s about embracing who you are and striving to become even better.

This pursuit of personal growth can lead to a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness that is independent of any romantic relationship.

9) They live in alignment with their values

And finally, the most important habit of all: living in alignment with their values.

People who find fulfillment and happiness outside of romantic love often deeply understand their core values.

They live their lives in a way that reflects these values, whether it’s honesty, compassion, courage, or any other value that holds importance to them.

When your actions and decisions align with what you truly believe in, you experience a sense of authenticity and integrity.

It brings about an inner peace and satisfaction that is hard to replicate.

Living in alignment with your values isn’t always easy. It requires constant self-reflection and sometimes making tough choices.

But when you do, it can lead to a profound sense of fulfillment and happiness that isn’t tied to romantic love.

It’s about being true to yourself, which is perhaps the most rewarding relationship you can have.

What’s your path to fulfillment?

Everyone’s path to fulfillment is different—it’s about discovering what works for you.

If you’re seeking happiness beyond romantic love, here are a few strategies to consider:

  • Volunteer for causes you care about
  • Spend time in nature
  • Embrace challenges with a growth mindset

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness.

It’s about exploring, experimenting, and finding what resonates with you.

As we wrap up, reflect on which habits you already practice and which you’d like to try.

You hold the power to create your own path to fulfillment—start today, and embrace the journey.

You deserve it!