What If I Do Need a Man to Make Me Whole?

And what if I think that’s just fine?

I’m a strong woman. I am fiercely independent. I am going on vacation by myself tomorrow. I built my own patio furniture. I can change the headlights on my car.

By all outward appearances, I am embodying the feminist ideal of not needing a man for a god damned thing.

Still, there is something missing.

The single woman mantra has become “I am whole on my own.” I can say, I’m not. The reason I need a man to make me whole is that one of the things I value so incredibly highly: romantic love. It is life blood for me. I want it and I need it. I’m not ashamed of it.

I don’t understand the shame that lies in saying that. Love is an unbelievable gift and knowing that you need someone to give that to you is not a weakness. It’s a self actualization.

I have spent the last year of my life in full examination of who I am and consciously trying to build a life that makes me happy. I am, at times, absolutely shocked with how far I’ve come and how much effort it…