Unattached

My friend's dad recently asked if I was 'unattached' like his daughter.

"That's an interesting way of framing it," I added after confirming that I, too, was unattached.

"Margo, my dad picked it up from you! You used that word to describe your relationship status on the car ride over here!"

I guess I hadn't fully processed it until that moment. And, in all honesty, I loved it. The term felt fitting.

I've read about the Buddhist way of non-attachment in relationships, and it always struck me as empowering.

From my interpretation, non-attachment essentially means not allowing things to own you by understanding that everything in life is impermanent and in its own state of flow and flux.

I feel like I've always had a rebellious view on relationships. If I sense someone's growth is inhibited within the confines of a relationship, I always encourage taking the hard road -- you don't have to force something to fit.

To be clear, I'm someone who has frequently felt restricted in relationships. After a lot of reflection (and experience), I now recognize my own responsibility in the matter.

As Thich Nhat Hanh's expresses, “You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free.” I realize that this is not just about finding someone who allows you to feel free, but also allowing yourself to feel free.

What expectations are you putting on your partner? How about your friends and family members? How could these be adjusted to embody the utmost love?

Oftentimes, this non-attached philosophy harvests negative connotations. Being unattached, in my mind, means truly allowing humans to travel in alignment with their own path.

So, yes, I am unattached - single, or not. 😌