Now Reading
18 Proven Ways How to Stop Wanting a Relationship

18 Proven Ways How to Stop Wanting a Relationship

Updated on Sep 11, 2023

Reviewed by Julianne Cantarella, MSW, LSW , Certified Relationship Coach

18 Proven Ways How to Stop Wanting a Relationship ThePleasantRelationship

The quest for love and the desire to be in a fulfilling relationship can be truly draining, when you are frustrated about not being able to get the true love that is all yours. Maybe you’re unable to let go or break free from the fantasy of a perfect relationship. 

At this time, you should start focusing on yourself and know some actionable tips on how to stop wanting a relationship and remain fulfilled by just being ‘you’.

How to stop wanting a relationship

Discovering oneself and maintaining self-worth can often become challenging when the strong desire for a relationship overshadows everything else. Many individuals find themselves in this predicament, feeling disconnected and losing their sense of identity, as they yearn desperately for companionship that seems elusive at the moment.

It’s crucial to recognize that longing for a relationship can sometimes stem from unhealthy motives, leading to hasty decisions and potential mistakes in choosing a partner. 

To stop wanting a relationship, it’s important to focus on self-discovery and personal growth. Begin by embracing and loving yourself, recognizing that you are complete and whole as an individual. Shift your attention towards fulfilling hobbies, interests, and goals that bring you joy and fulfillment. Prioritize self-care and build a strong support network of friends and family. 

Take time to reflect on past relationships, learning from them without dwelling on them. Cultivate a positive mindset, fostering gratitude and contentment with your current circumstances. Finally, be patient with yourself and allow time for healing and growth, trusting that the right relationship will come when the time is right.

Some of the ways that can guide you on a journey of stopping the desperate craving for a relationship are as follows:

1. Recognize the other essential elements you require in addition to love

To overcome the desire for a relationship, it is crucial to understand and acknowledge your individual needs beyond romantic love.

This could be an opportune moment for introspection and self-reflection, allowing you to discern and articulate your requirements. By clarifying these needs, you may find that your focus shifts away from longing for a relationship.

2. Have a space for yourself

Grant yourself the invaluable freedom of having personal space, especially when it comes to relinquishing the insistent yearning for a romantic partnership. The quest for companionship often engulfs us, and societal expectations can intensify the desire to be in a relationship.

However, it is crucial to recognize that one’s well-being and personal growth should not be contingent upon being in a partnership. You can stay away from people and situations who seem to be more interested in your single status and bothers you mentally.

3. Enjoy family time

You should focus on cherished family moments to fulfill your longing for connection, easing the desire for a romantic relationship. Family bonds can provide love, support, and companionship, fostering contentment and satisfaction. 

Moreover, these interactions can help you divert your mind from fantasizing about romance. You will become more relaxed and the constant anxiousness of being single will not bother you much.

4. Be patient with yourself

The absence of a romantic relationship can sometimes bring about feelings of sadness and despair, potentially impacting your overall well-being and hindering your engagement in other activities. 

However, it’s important to acknowledge that these emotions don’t vanish overnight. Allow yourself the necessary time and space to gradually let go of these feelings as you focus on other aspects of your life.

5. Avoid rushing into love once more 

Many individuals make the mistake of hastily seeking romantic connections, only to find themselves in regrettable relationships. It is crucial to allocate ample time for self-reflection and emotional exploration before embarking on a new love journey. 

Therefore, exercising patience in matters of the heart is a valuable approach to overcoming the longing for a relationship.

6. Spend quality time with your close friends 

Another way to stop wanting a relationship is by getting busy with your close pals. You should shift your attention towards nurturing these valuable friendships.

Invest in strengthening the bonds with your friends while redirecting your thoughts away from being single.

7. Invest time in yourself

Allocate quality time to nurture your relationship with yourself, as it’s an effective approach to reduce the desire for a romantic relationship. Engage in self-care activities such as taking vacations, exercising, and going on solo dates. 

Prioritize self-love and self-worth, understanding that a fulfilling relationship starts with valuing yourself. By investing in your own well-being, you pave the way for a deserving and meaningful connection in the future.

8. Embrace solitude without succumbing to loneliness

Recognize that solitude can be a positive experience. Even when surrounded by others, carve out valuable moments for yourself.

However, it’s important to distinguish solitude from loneliness. Engage in activities like volunteering or joining clubs to foster connections and prevent feelings of isolation.

9. Respect personal boundaries with potential partners

Avoid pressuring or coercing individuals you perceive as potential romantic partners. Not everyone may share your interests or desires, and attempting to force a relationship could lead to emotional harm.

To curb the longing for a relationship, refrain from imposing yourself on others and allow connections to develop naturally.

10. Practice positive self-talk and be kind to yourself

Avoid the pitfall of being excessively critical of yourself. Refrain from feeling downhearted if people do not reciprocate your desire for a relationship. Instead, practice positive self-talk and affirmations. 

Hold yourself in high regard and refrain from diminishing your self-worth. There is no need to feel low if you are still single and have not found anyone worthy of you. Stop wanting a relationship that can undermine your self-worth and make you feel lesser in your own eyes.

11. Stop using dating apps

A beneficial approach to reduce the desire for a relationship is to refrain from using dating apps. By abstaining from these platforms, you can redirect your focus away from relationships, love, and all related notions.

Engaging with dating apps often intensifies the longing for a romantic partnership, making it advantageous to avoid them altogether.

12. Set visions that are meant for you only

Embrace the power of setting personal goals to overcome the longing for a relationship. By establishing meaningful objectives, you shift your focus away from the intense desire for partnership.

As you make progress towards these goals, you will find fulfillment and happiness within yourself, independent of being in a relationship.

13. Minimize discussions about relationships

To stop wanting a relationship, you should reduce conversations that revolve around love and relationships. Instead, direct your focus towards other topics and engage in discussions that do not constantly remind you of your desire for a romantic partner.

You can talk about interesting and engaging topics with friends and family that matter the most in today’s world.

14. Establish healthy boundaries with exes and crushes

If you wish to overcome the yearning for a love life or stop hunting for a worthy relationship, it may be wise to maintain appropriate distance and boundaries with your ex-partners and crushes. 

Remaining closely connected to them can intensify your feelings and increase the longing for a relationship, especially if they are not ready or available for one. Prioritize your emotional well-being by creating healthy boundaries. Learn to live a life based on your own priorities and needs.

15. Embrace the Freedom of being single

You should embrace being single and understand the fact that singlehood is a choice. You have not committed a crime and feel ashamed about it. Despite societal pressures, you have the right to remain the way you are. 

Recognize that it’s far better to be single than to be trapped in a wrong or unhealthy relationship. Embrace this period as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

16. Confronting Unhealthy Patterns

Before embarking on a new relationship, it is important to take the time as a single individual to address any harmful habits that could potentially impact your love life. 

It’s crucial to recognize that your potential partner may find it challenging to accept or adjust to certain habits of yours. To proactively improve yourself and create a healthy foundation for a relationship, it’s recommended to work on eliminating these habits beforehand.

17. Seeking Professional Assistance

One effective approach to navigating the intense longing for a relationship is to consider seeking professional support. Therapy can offer significant insights into the underlying reasons behind your strong desires and help you determine whether they are healthy or appropriate for your current circumstances.

A qualified therapist can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout this journey of self-discovery.

18. Foster Self-Improvement

Investing in self-improvement during your single phase can greatly diminish the desperate craving for a relationship. Focus on personal growth in various aspects of your life, whether it’s honing new skills, developing your career, or pursuing meaningful passions.

When you strive to become the best version of yourself, you will stop wanting a relationship because you’ll be able to realize your worth in a better way. You will have no need to seek external validation and feel good enough about yourself.


Summing Up from ‘ThePleasantRelationship’

Relationships are crucial for our well-being, but negative dynamics limit us. Taking a break is best. Instead of pursuing love, be patient and wait for a while. You should empower yourself so that when love comes, the relationship thrives. 

Since perfection is just a myth, no perfect person exists, so remove idealized notions. Embrace imperfection, and love will manifest unexpectedly. To stop hunting for a new relationship, prioritize self-love, and respect, and deserve a healthy, fulfilling relationship. You’re worthy of love even if you are single.