1. They don’t really need to have their feelings validated.

They were fine before you came in. They can carry on even without a romantic partner. They don’t need someone to tell them that they look gorgeous – they already know that every day. They don’t need another person to point out that they’re special – they can already feel that truth inside of them. They don’t mind if they haven’t found the right one yet, because being surrounded by so much love from their friends and families is already enough.

2. They can come off self-centered sometimes.

They set the bar high for someone who shows interest to be in a relationship with them. They’re not scared to be picky because they literally have nothing to lose. The fact that they’re not actively seeking for anyone’s affection means they can politely reject those who don’t pass their standards. They can choose not to settle for just okay and not feel any regrets at all.

3. They’re skeptical about someone’s compliments.

If you think people who have been single for a really long time can easily be persuaded by sweet words, then you are definitely wrong. They know themselves too much to be fooled by anyone. They can tell if you’re lying, if you’re trying to manipulate them, or if you only want to get something from them. They have the tendency to analyze compliments before believing them.

4. They have days when they want to be left alone.

You have to respect them when they ask for space. Give them the freedom that they need to be on their own once in a while. It might be hard for you to understand why they need to take a break from interacting with people – but respect them anyway. Slowly accept that it’s their way of getting more perspective and recharging their energy.

5. They don’t trust too easily.

If you’re willing to win their hearts, it’s your job to break the ice that they have built around themselves. They’ve been too comfortable on their own territories that it becomes difficult for them to trust someone and let them in. It becomes hard for them to open up, not because they’re scared to get hurt, but because they don’t want their worlds to be disturbed by someone whose intention is to only be with them temporarily.

6. They have a close network of friends.

Be fully aware that they have a great support system behind them. If you’re planning to mess up with their feelings, know that there are people in their social circles who love them and are ready to fight for them. They have an army who can teach you hard lessons the moment you break their hearts.

7. They can’t be contained or put into boxes.

People who have been independent for a really long time have wild and carefree spirits. They don’t like it when someone puts restrictions on their freedoms. They can share some of their time with you, but please know that it is them who are in complete control of their schedules. It is their decisions that matter at the end of the day.

8. They still have plenty things to accomplish.

Chasing their dreams is more important than finding love. They’re willing to say no and leave anyone who hinders them in going after what their hearts want. They will always choose their ambitions over their romantic relationships because they know that opportunities don’t often come by. They can make their forever person wait but they won’t push their goals to the sideline.

9. They care about their futures.

They know where they are going, and they are determined to go further in life. They care more about improving their skills than enhancing what they look like on the outside. Their minds are trained to think long-term, that’s why they tend to be picky and only choose the person they feel like they’re going to be in a relationship with for a really long time. They hate settling for less because they know that they deserve more.

10. They are not in a rush to settle down.

They have hundreds of cities they want to see. They have thousands of hearts to touch. They have millions of seconds on this earth that they want to cherish and keep in their memories. There are so many other things that they want to experience before they settle down. They enjoy living their lives on their own, but they’re also hoping that eventually, someone will appear in their lives. Someone who will make them feel like the long wait is so worth it.