Maplewood Counseling
9 Advantages of Being Single | Embrace Being On Your Own

9 Advantages of Being Single | Embrace Being On Your Own

9 Advantages of Being Single

How to Embrace Being Single

Embrace the Advantages of Being Single 

There are many advantages to being single even though many singles feel the pressure around being in a relationship.

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There are, however, many advantages to being single. Here are a few…

  • Freedom of Choice: Being single gives you the freedom to make your own choices without worrying about another person’s opinion. You can plan your day, travel wherever you want, and pursue your dreams without any restrictions. This independence allows you to explore yourself and discover your true interests.
  • Time for Self-Development: With no significant other taking up your time and attention, you have more time for self-care and personal growth. You can focus on your hobbies, career, or education without any distractions. Being single also allows you to be more self-aware and work on becoming a better version of yourself.
  • No Compromise: Relationships often require compromise, which can sometimes lead to resentment in the long run. As a single person, you don’t have to make any sacrifices for another person’s happiness. You can prioritize your own needs and desires without feeling guilty or obligated to please someone else.
  • More Social Connections: Being single provides the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and expand your social circle. You have the freedom to go out and socialize without any constraints, allowing you to form deeper connections with others. This can lead to a more fulfilling and diverse social life.
  • Financial Stability: Being single means you are solely responsible for your financial stability. You have the freedom to make financial decisions that align with your goals and priorities without having to consider another person’s income or expenses. This can lead to greater financial independence and stability in the long run.
  • Strength and Resilience: Being single can also build strength and resilience within oneself. You learn to rely on your own strength, make decisions independently, and handle challenges without the support of a partner. This can cultivate a strong sense of self-assurance and empowerment.
  • Time to Heal: For those who have recently ended a relationship, being single allows for time to heal and process emotions without the added stress of maintaining a partnership. This can be a period of self-reflection and growth, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and what one wants in future relationships.
  • Freedom to Explore: Being single provides the freedom to explore and discover new interests, passions, and hobbies without any restrictions. With no one else’s needs or desires to consider, you can fully immerse yourself in new experiences and activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
  • Personal Growth: Ultimately, being single allows for personal growth and self-discovery. Without the influence of a partner, you have the opportunity to focus on your own wants and needs, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself. This can lead to personal growth in all aspects of life, from career and education to relationships and self-care.

Being single may come with its challenges and societal pressures, but it also offers unique opportunities for personal development and growth. It allows individuals to focus on themselves and their own well-being, which can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. Whether you are single by choice or circumstance, embracing the positives of being single can lead to a strong and resilient sense of self. So instead of viewing it as a negative, embrace the positives and make the most out of your time as a single individual.

Additionally, being single also allows for deeper connections with friends and family. With the pressures and demands of a romantic relationship removed, individuals have more time and energy to invest in meaningful relationships with loved ones. This can lead to stronger bonds and a stronger support system, which is crucial for overall well-being.

Moreover, being single also allows for independence and self-sufficiency. Without relying on a partner for emotional or financial support, individuals learn how to be self-sufficient and make decisions for themselves. This can lead to a sense of empowerment and confidence, which can have a positive impact on all aspects of life.

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The Power of Being Single: Embracing Happiness on Our Own Terms

In the bustling narrative of modern life, relationships hold a hallowed place. Advertisements, movies, social media feeds – they all echo back to us the same refrain: happiness lies in togetherness. But what if that’s just one part of the story, a fragment of a much grander tale of personal sovereignty and self-discovery? This is my ode to being single, and why it’s a state that should be celebrated, not just endured.

Rejecting Societal Pressure

While our culture champions the narrative of coupledom, it often does so at the expense of those who walk a path unaccompanied. We’ve somehow equated being single with loneliness, as if the mere absence of a romantic partner is a void that actively seeks to be filled. This equation is flawed, and it needs to be dismantled.

I challenge the conventional wisdom that one’s happiness is contingent upon a relationship. Happiness is multi-faceted. It can stem from personal achievements, the pursuit of passions, or simply from being at peace with oneself. The single life offers the freedom to pursue these avenues without the perceived constraints of a partner.

Emphasizing the value of singlehood means recognizing the inherent opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth that it brings. It’s a chance to delve into our essence, to ask ourselves what we want independent of societal expectations, and to grow in ways that are uniquely our own.

Embracing Freedom and Independence

The beauty of being single is not just freedom from the obligations of a relationship, but the influx of possibilities that it brings. Autonomy and self-reliance become not just survival tools but artistic devices with which to craft a life. There’s a potency in this independence, a power that comes from knowing that every aspect of your world is shaped by your own hands.

Leading a single life allows for a kind of focus that can be difficult to maintain when the concerns of another life must be navigated alongside your own. It’s a fertile ground for personal development, for honing one’s skills, and for pursuing a life unencumbered by the compromises often required in relationships.

Reframing Happiness

Happiness has erroneously been tethered to external factors, the most common being a partner. I propose a radical reframing: happiness as an internal state, not just as a response to external stimuli. The contentment that comes from within, from self-love and self-acceptance, is a robust foundation for lifelong fulfillment.

We know from experience that relationships alone do not guarantee happiness. Conversely, a strong and positive relationship with the self can enhance not only the quality of our lives but also our ability to contribute positively to the world. Single or not, cultivating the resources for happiness within ourselves is a crucial endeavor.

Navigating Social Stigma

Choosing to be single in a culture that champions coupledom is not without its challenges. There’s a social stigma that cloaks singlehood, with implications of inadequacy and failure. This narrative is deeply flawed and reeks of the societal pressure that I ardently advocate against.

Single individuals face misconceptions that their lives lack the warmth and stability found in partnership. This is not only offensive but also dismissive of the rich and fulfilling lives so many single people lead every day. It is a narrative that needs rewriting, one that embraces and validates the many forms of happiness we are capable of finding.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Singlehood

My final plea is simple: we need to embrace the journey of singlehood. Not as a temporary state of waiting for someone to fill a void, but as a destination in itself. We must explore, redefine, and celebrate the many ways in which we can experience happiness, and acknowledge that these are not mere substitutes for a partnership but are vibrant and whole in their own right.

Happiness is not one size fits all, and the single life is not a consolation prize for those who have not yet found their “better half.” It is as complete and complex a state as any other, and an essential chapter in the story of our lives. Let’s reconstitute the narrative, create space for all paths to happiness, and honor the singularity that resides within us all.

In conclusion, being single offers unique opportunities for personal growth, stronger relationships with loved ones, and independence. Instead of viewing it as a negative, embrace the positives and make the most out of your time as a single individual. Remember that being single does not define your worth or happiness, and it should be celebrated as a part of one’s journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment. So don’t let societal pressures or expectations hold you back from embracing the joys and benefits of being single.

Struggling with being single?

If you are feeling sad or lost without being partnered or feel it is hard to find the positive in being single, counseling can help. Getting on a path to embrace being single is going to help in the short and long run. Want to talk to a therapist? Get in touch – we’re here to help.

 

Coping with Loneliness: Strategies for Connection & Healing

Coping with Loneliness: Strategies for Connection & Healing

Coping with Loneliness: Finding Connection in a Disconnected World

 

Coping with Loneliness: Strategies for Connection & Healing

Are you feeling isolated, even when people are around you? Does social media make you feel left out or more distant? If you’re struggling with loneliness, know that you’re not the only one. Loneliness is part of being human—and it can happen to anyone.

You might be single, married, with a busy family, or living on your own. Loneliness can touch anyone and doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Think of it as a signal—much like feeling hungry or thirsty—that your need for connection isn’t being met.

At Maplewood Counseling, we understand how overwhelming loneliness can be. We offer inclusive and welcoming support for people from every race, culture, and background—including interfaith, interracial, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and blended families. Our experienced therapists create a safe, comfortable space for everyone. Whether you’re adjusting to life changes, feeling invisible in your relationship, or searching for where you belong, we’re here to help you reconnect.

What Does Loneliness Really Mean?

Being alone doesn’t always mean feeling lonely. Some solitude can be peaceful and restorative. Loneliness, though, is the ache that comes when you crave real connection and don’t have it.

It’s possible to feel lonely at a crowded event, a family dinner, or even beside your partner at night. In fact, loneliness in a relationship can be very painful—often leaving you wondering, “Why do I feel so alone when I’m not by myself?”

Common triggers for loneliness:

  • Life changes: Moving, starting a new job, having a baby, or retiring can disrupt your built-in social support.
  • Relationship loss: Breakups, divorce, or losing a loved one can leave an empty space.
  • Emotional distance: Not being heard or understood by those you care about creates separation, even when you’re close physically.
  • Too much social media: Scrolling online can make you feel more left out, not less.

We Welcome Every Story

Loneliness doesn’t pick favorites. No matter your background, identity, or family situation, you are welcome here. With therapists who truly listen and understand, you never have to justify your feelings. You can just be yourself.

Simple Steps to Start Feeling Less Lonely

Beating loneliness isn’t just about “being more social.” It’s about gently rebuilding how you connect—with yourself and others. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Be Kind to Yourself

Feeling lonely can make you doubt your worth. You might wonder, “What’s wrong with me?” Remind yourself, loneliness is temporary and doesn’t define you. Treat yourself as gently as you’d treat a friend.

2. Go for Quality, Not Quantity

You don’t need lots of friends—just a few real connections. Try deepening the relationships you already have. Text an old friend. Make time for a real (distraction-free) conversation with your partner or a loved one.

3. Join Shared Activities

Connection happens most easily when you do things you enjoy. Join a club, a volunteer group, or a class that interests you. Shared hobbies help you meet others in a natural, comfortable way.

4. Take Breaks from Social Media

Social media can make loneliness feel worse. If scrolling leaves you feeling down, take a break and spend that time on something more fulfilling—like chatting with someone, going for a walk, or starting a creative hobby.

5. Look Outside Yourself

Helping others often brings purpose and new connections. Volunteering or helping a neighbor can shift your focus away from loneliness and remind you of your value.

When Should You Seek Therapy?

Sometimes, loneliness is linked to deeper issues such as depression or anxiety. If you feel stuck, down for weeks, or if it’s hard to cope day to day, it may be time to get support.

Therapy gives you a safe, understanding space—no judgment. A counselor can help you:

  • Explore what’s behind your loneliness.
  • Challenge unhelpful thinking.
  • Build confidence and social skills.
  • Resolve relationship issues that increase isolation.

Ready to Reconnect? We’re Here to Help

Reaching out is a big first step—and it shows courage. If you’re longing for more connection, our therapists are here to support you. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions tailored to what you need. Take that first step toward feeling better—schedule a confidential consultation today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Loneliness

Is it normal to feel lonely in a marriage?
Yes—it’s common. Busy routines and poor communication can leave even committed partners feeling apart. Marriage counseling can help you bridge those gaps and find closeness again.

I’m an introvert. Does that mean I’ll always be lonely?
Not at all. Introverts may prefer fewer, deeper relationships instead of a big social circle. What matters is finding the connection style that fits you best.

How do I know if I’m lonely or if I’m depressed?
They can overlap. Loneliness is about lacking connection, while depression involves other symptoms too, like low energy or lost interest in things you enjoy. If you’re unsure, a therapist can help you sort through what you’re feeling.

Can online therapy help with loneliness?
Absolutely. For many, virtual therapy is a flexible and accessible way to start building up support and connection, right from home.


You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Loneliness can feel heavy, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Healing and connection are possible. If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship, adjust to life changes, or simply feel more at peace with yourself, we’re here for you.

Telehealth Online Counseling Services

Telehealth Online Counseling Services

Therapy Sessions Online
Get in Touch

Maplewood Telehealth Online Counseling Services

 

 

Would it be more convenient to do therapy online?

Many clients used telehealth online counseling services instead of in-person counseling at a physical location during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, for some people, this service was very effective and provided extra benefits by allowing greater convenience along with more flexibility.

How does teletherapy work?

Just as you make an appointment for an in-office session, you’ll make an appointment to meet online. Through devices such as computers, iPads/tablets, and smartphones, you can have interactive sessions with your therapist. Many online conference tools are available. Software apps such as Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and Google Meet are a few. You still see each other face-to-face. However, your meeting is virtual.

Can you get as much out of telehealth online counseling as in-person therapy?

As a matter of fact, you can. Your therapist uses the same therapy tools that are used during in-person sessions. According to several of our existing clients who have been in marriage counseling, couples therapy, individual therapy, or family counseling, it is very effective at addressing issues and concerns.

Does the therapy online provide advantages?

There are a number of advantages. For one, you don’t have to drive to the therapist’s office for sessions. You don’t have to deal with scheduling issues, traffic, cost of gas, getting sitters, and much more. In fact, if one partner is at work and the other is at home, the Telehealth session link can bring us all together to work on issues.

Virtual remote therapy is private and secure. Yet, you continue to have a close one-on-one connection with your therapist. Or, if involved in group therapy, your group sessions can also take place online. You’ll still be able to see and hear the other participants in the group.

You may find that therapists can often provide greater accessibility through teletherapy. After all, you both can save time by not having to travel to their office, deal with parking, or arrive late due to traffic.

In addition, there’s an added advantage for clients who feel self-conscious about physically traveling and walking into a therapist’s office. In that respect, you may experience a greater sense of privacy.

Are there extra costs for online therapy?

Typically, no. Costs vary from one therapist to the next. But, most charge the same hourly rates whether in-person or online.

Is there anything you should do to prepare for an online session?

To avoid interruptions, ensure:

  • You have a private, quiet spot for your session
  • Your device is fully charged
  • The location has a strong internet connection

Maplewood Counseling Online

If you visit Psychology Today, you’ll see many therapists are now offering telehealth online services. In fact, you’ll find me listed in their teletherapy directory.

Want to give it a try?

Give us a call or text at 973-793-1000 to discuss setting up an online session. While some people might miss the feel of an in-person encounter, other people prefer the advantages of online counseling. Try it out and see. Discover for yourself if it’s right for you.

Have questions for us? Get in touch

Feel Misunderstood?

Want To Feel Understood?

Need Counseling?

Get in Touch

When you feel understood

How good does it feel when someone gets you? When someone truly  listens and understands you and is there for you emotionally? How wonderful does it feel when someone responds to you rather than reacts? How awful does it feel that the person you’re sharing a home with, a bed with cannot do that for you?

Feeling understood and seen is where a deeper connection starts. It also were disconnect and unhappiness starts – if you repeatedly feel misunderstood and not seen.

In some cases a spouse or partner truly does not understand what you’re upset about or what you need. But there is a difference between trying to fix something and the intention of trying to help, than being dismissive, eye rolling out of frustration. Some people don’t know how to respond in a compassionate way and and respond. It will help your spouse or partner hear “I see you are (angry, sad, frutrated, etc…) and I understand (or want to understand) – I am sorry you feel that way…what do you need from me (or how can I help?) ”

Want to get better at respnding in more compassionate and positive ways? Want to repair your fights in more effective ways? Get in touch.

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Couples Therapy

Maplewood Counseling provides relationship counseling for couples who are struggling with communication problems, an affair, a crisis or other issues. Marriage counseling and couples therapy is provided to help for all types couples with relationship issues.

Relationships & Families

Get relationship help for communication problems, affairs and infidelity, deciding to stay or leave your marriage or relationship, family and parenting relationships and more.  We specialize in helping couples with marital, family and relationship counseling.

Making Decisions

Are you unhappy in your marriage? Need help with your relationship and want to come in alone to talk?  Partner or spouse won’t come with you? Struggling to make some decisions to deal with painful relationship, parenting, step, blended or other family problems?

In an Unhappy Marriage?

Unhappy Marriage?

Leave or Stay?

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Depressed About an Unhappy Marriage?

Are you afraid to leave an unhappy marriage? Are you staying for the kids or for other reasons? Are you trying to figure out what to do?

Many couples struggle in an unhappy marriage or relationship. A new baby definitely complicates your relationship and has a certain set of challenges. Some couples can work through these difficulties and other feel a new baby has only brought out the worst in the relationship and sometimes feelings change. And you’re not sure you can get your feelings back.

Having kids can also cause a lot of problems in a relationship and also make it more challenging to leave or divorce. Many people feel it can hurt their children if they get divorced and hurt their financial situation. Is staying always best for the kids? Maybe not.

What happens to some relationships after a child or children enter the picture is the relationship is put on the back burner. To feel like you are not a priority anymore in your marriage for an extended period of time can lead to a pretty big disconnect and unhappiness.

The truth is some people are raised by a parent that totally focuses on the children. Either it is a single parent household or someone that was conditioned to give the child or children most of the attention. It can feel wrong to do it any other way and sometimes frustrating to have your spouse want more attention. The result? The relationship suffers and over time a couple can get very disconnected. One person needing and wanting more attention, and the other not understanding why they just can’t put the children first. This can be a complicated issue.

Are you in an unhappy marriage and wonder what to do? Afraid to leave and can’t imagine staying? We are here to help if you are wondering what to do about an unhappy marriage.

 

Contact Maplewoood Counseling

Indian Marriage Counseling in NJ: Balancing Culture & Connection

Indian Marriage Counseling in NJ: Balancing Culture & Connection

Indian Marriage Counseling in NJ: Balancing Culture & Connection

 

Indian Marriage Counseling in NJ: Balancing Culture & Connection

Are you and your partner looking for support with relationship challenges—especially those shaped by Indian, South Asian, or Southeast Asian cultures? Many couples and individuals in New Jersey share similar experiences. Whether you’re navigating the expectations of close-knit families, balancing generational traditions with modern values, or facing unique pressures in your partnership, you do not have to do this alone.

At Maplewood Counseling, we understand the complexities that come with honoring heritage while also nurturing your own happiness. Our counseling services offer a safe, inclusive, and culturally respectful space for talking through the issues that matter most to you. Here, you will be seen and heard, without feeling the need to explain your background or values.


Why Seek Indian or Southeast Asian Marriage Counseling?

Every relationship faces challenges, but couples and families from Indian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian backgrounds often encounter pressures that can be difficult to discuss outside their community. It’s also important to understand that “Southeast Asian” is a broad term that includes communities such as Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Filipino, and Malaysian, each with unique traditions and experiences. While using broader terms can mean fewer specific resources, many of the underlying issues—such as balancing tradition and individuality or managing family roles—are widely shared.

Some common concerns we help with include:

  • Family Expectations & In-laws: Difficulty setting boundaries with extended family, or feeling pressure to meet expectations and customs.
  • Communication Differences: Struggling to express feelings or needs because your partner comes from a different cultural or family background.
  • Community Perception (“Log Kya Kahenge”): Stress caused by feeling judged or needing to maintain a “perfect” image in the community, which can lead to hiding struggles or ignoring problems.
  • Arranged or Family-Introduced Partnerships: Uncertainty about building closeness and trust when your relationship began through family arrangements or cultural traditions.
  • Blending Traditions: Challenges in merging cultural or religious customs within mixed-heritage or interfaith relationships.
  • Conversations About Intimacy: Feeling unable to discuss needs or concerns related to emotional or physical intimacy due to privacy values or cultural taboos.

If any of these situations feel familiar, please know you are not alone—and that support is available.


What Makes Our Approach Different?

Seeking relationship support can be tough—especially if you are worried about having to explain your cultural context, family roles, or life decisions to someone who may not fully “get it.”

At Maplewood Counseling, our therapists bring both professional expertise and cultural humility. We honor all backgrounds—Indian, South Asian, Southeast Asian—and are committed to serving clients of every gender, orientation, faith, and family structure, including LGBTQIA+, interracial, and interfaith couples.

Our therapists understand:

  • The importance of family and collective values
  • The unique dynamics of joint and multigenerational households
  • The emotional weight of meeting parental and community expectations

We strive to create a space where you feel truly understood and respected.


How We Help Couples and Individuals

 

1. Improving Communication

Get tools to express your needs, emotions, and concerns in a way your partner can hear—no matter your communication styles or family influences. We help you move past misunderstandings and silence so your true feelings have space to be heard.

2. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Learn how to set boundaries with family and others while still honoring your values. Whether you live in a joint family or manage strong parental involvement, we’ll guide you to a balanced approach that protects both your relationship and family ties.

3. Navigating Cultural Identity

Work together to blend meaningful traditions from your heritage with the realities of life in the U.S. or a multicultural household. For parents, we help you create shared family values and open conversations about what traditions feel most important to pass on.

4. Deepening Connection and Intimacy

Our sessions provide a private, supportive space to talk about closeness—emotional and physical—with care and respect. We help you move beyond duty and obligation to build genuine connection tailored to your unique partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with arranged marriages and family-introduced relationships?
Yes. We support couples at any stage of these partnerships and help you build trust, connection, and honest communication.

Will you encourage us to break ties with our families?
No. Family is central in many cultures. We help you find ways to remain close while also building a strong, respectful relationship with your partner.

Do you work with mixed-culture, interfaith, or LGBTQIA+ couples?
Absolutely. Our team welcomes all couples and individuals, regardless of background. We work with you to create a relationship that embraces all parts of your identity.

What if my partner is hesitant due to the stigma around mental health or therapy?
This is a common worry in South and Southeast Asian communities. We offer both in-person and private virtual sessions, always with full confidentiality and compassion. Seeking counseling is a sign of care for your relationship and yourself.

Can we come for pre-marital or relationship support if we’re not legally married?
Yes. We work with individuals, couples, and families in all stages—dating, engaged, recently partnered, or long-term. You don’t have to be married to benefit from support.


Ready to Build a Stronger Partnership?

You deserve a relationship that honors both your culture and your happiness. Whether you want to resolve conflicts or create a deeper level of understanding, we can help. Maplewood Counseling offers empathetic, culturally aware counseling sessions in Maplewood, NJ, as well as secure virtual counseling throughout New Jersey.