20 things you should know dating an independent girl

Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. There's a reason Hollywood loves to make movies about independent women Eat, Pray Love and Wild , for example : They're relatable, moving, inspiring, and not afraid to do something solo. But you don't have to wait for a life-changing experience to get started when there are plenty of amazing things you can do by yourself. In a study by the British Journal of Psychology , scientists found that highly intelligent people became less satisfied the more time they spent with friends. In other words, spending some quality time with yourself is good for your overall well-being and results in greater life satisfaction.

As Tiny Buddha grows larger, I find there are a lot more people emailing me with requests. The people-pleaser in me wants to say yes to everyone, but the reality is that there is only so much time in the day—and we all have a right to allocate our time as best supports our intentions, needs, and goals. Recently someone contacted me with a request that I was unable to honor. I felt angry because I have always struggled with saying no, and this was exactly the type of uncomfortable encounter I generally aim to avoid. I felt angry because I felt misunderstood and judged, and I wanted him to realize that he was wrong about me.

Dating an independent woman should not appear as some kind of daunting or challenging task that must best be avoided. In fact, you should be super kicked that you are dating someone who has a mind of her own, money of her own, can hold fort if there is a serious discussion on politics and can actually give you sensible advice on your professional progress. Dating an independent woman is something that most men seek these days because it brings a fresh perspective to their own lives. It can change your life for the better. Christina always grew up watching her mother lurking in the shadows of her father.

When it comes to dating, age is just one among many factors to consider as you seek your match. We bring all of our prior life experience to any relationship we enter, so how much does it matter that one person's history is years or decades longer than the other's? Here, two experts weigh in on the benefits of dating an older man, as well as the potential drawbacks. While an older man dating a younger woman tends to raise less eyebrows than a woman's romance with a younger man , the dynamic isn't exactly stigma-free—particularly when the age gap is significant.