So you're enjoying your freedom and clapping your hands when Beyonce's song comes on ("Single Ladies"). You are happy being you and wouldn't think of trading independence for love. Could it be time to reconsider?

In times past, women who were single were looked at as the "poor, lonely girl, why can't she get a husband?" Thank God those days are gone. Now women make decisions based upon her life's goals and choices, not the pressure or opinions of others. Women are career minded and determined to succeed. Professional success can be ruined by a love relationship that can be distracting and energy-draining; sometimes its just not worth the risk.

Other factors determine whether a woman is ready for a steady guy, such as past relationships. I've heard my friends say at times: "When I get out of this relationship, I'm never doing this again." Only to end up in something worse months later because they are lonely. So then you're faced with the balancing act of opening yourself up to strangers, but staying somewhat guarded because of past hurt.

So how do you know if its time to open the gate and send the guard to your heart home for a while? No person knows you better than you. Pay attention to signs that point to your desire for a less "simply casual" encounter with a man. If you've been seeing someone off and on for a while and you start to care about spending more time with him, that is one of the first signs you could be ready. You may even be slightly jealous knowing he's seeing other people. If he means more than he did when you agreed to just "keep this simple," talk to him and see where he is emotionally concerning you. There's few things more embarrassing than having strong feelings for someone who isn't there yet. If he's on the same page, take things a step further. Incremental advances are not a bad thing.

Also, you'll know that you're ready to share your space when you don't mind divulging more personal information about yourself. Some sensitive subjects include: what you make as a salary, past relationship issues (and successes), family history or future plans for your life. These are things you should only share with someone you have come to trust.

Remember to base your decision to have a mate with well thought out intentions. If you're just lonely and somewhat jealous of your married friends, dig a little deeper and make sure that you're actually ready to peacefully co-exist with someone. When you ARE ready, you will know it. Be ready to surrender some level of independence, as you will expect from him.

All in all, having a great relationship with the man you love is grand. Just be sure that you're truly ready to put the "all about me" thoughts and actions aside. I know it sounds cheesy, but there really is no "i" in team.


Live abundantly, everyday.

K.

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Author- Karen Kennedy  is a content writer for today's most cutting edge electronic media sites. Some of these sites are Examiner.com, Associated Content, All Voices and Word Press. She currently lives in scenic Colorado and enjoys outdoor sports. Karen is the proud mother of three awesome children, one of whom passed away last August as a result of the disease known as Lupus. She is an advocate for Lupus survivors and their families and for military families. Ms. Kennedy has studied at the University of Maryland, Columbus State University and Troy University. Karen has been a member of Diva Cafe for almost a year and enjoys being active with other members of this popular web page.