Home→Forums→Emotional Mastery→I don't want to depend on friends for happiness.→Reply To: I don't want to depend on friends for happiness.
Dear Masood,
Apologies for the late reply. There’s a chance you may not get your answer until the opportunity arises. For example, if you did get accepted to a University that was a few hours away, maybe you would be so excited about this new opportunity that you would put your dependency aside in order to not let this opportunity pass you by. But if you believe that you would stay where you are because of your friends you should try and think about what you want in life long-term. Think about the career you wish to have, the new relationships you want to create and so on. Remember, that your real friends will always be your friend no matter where you are. You can visit when you can which makes time spent together much more valuable. Has there been opportunities in the past that you feel you missed due to your dependency? When you are busy with your hobbies do you find you are lonely while doing them or does this feeling happen once you’re finished? If you are unhappy with things as they are now I agree that exiting your comfort zone is a good idea. But I wouldn’t do too much too soon. Think of something that you feel you are avoiding due to dependency on others and break it into small steps.
I was very similar to you as well…and I still sometimes catch myself going back to my old ways. but that’s ok. I just recognize what’s happen, accept it, and move forward. For ex, a week had gone by when I realized I hadn’t spent one day in my house. I spent all 7 days either with my boyfriend, sister, or friends. After this realization I made sure I spent the next day at home and realized how much I missed my “alone” time. If I started to feel lonely, I reminded myself that my friends and family are still there, still love me, and I was choosing to spend this time alone.
One more thing, I notice you say “dependency on friends” and also “attention from others”. Do you view these as the same thing or do you feel these are 2 separate issues?