Keeping Your Own Life While Building One With Someone Else | Ep 122

The Single Spark with Chantelle the Coach (previously The Single Girl's Guide to Life)

One of the biggest fears I had about getting into a relationship was losing my independence. I’ve spent years building a life I love - my own space, my own routine, my own decisions.
And yet, society makes it seem like true commitment means merging your entire life with someone else. Moving in together, sharing everything, and eventually ticking off the next milestones like marriage and kids.
But what if you don’t want to rush that?
What if you love your independence but still want a strong, committed relationship?

In this episode, I’m sharing my own experience of navigating this balance - being in a happy, long-term relationship while still keeping my autonomy and independence.
I’ve lived on my own for five years, and despite being in a serious relationship for the more recent years, I’ve chosen to keep it that way!
I’ll be diving into how I’ve made that work, the conversations I’ve had to have, and the boundaries I’ve set to make sure I don’t lose myself along the way.

Here’s what I’ll be unpacking:
🏡 Why I still live alone (and how it’s strengthened my relationship)
⏳ The pressure to move in, get married, and have kids - and why I’m ignoring it
💬 How I communicate my need for space without making my partner feel rejected
🚧 Why setting boundaries actually brings you closer, not further apart
👶 Dating someone with kids - how I navigate that while keeping my own life intact
💡 How to hold onto your identity in a relationship (because you don’t have to lose yourself in love!)

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “prove” your commitment by giving up your independence, this episode is for you. You can have love and freedom - on your terms.

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RESOURCES:
- Download my FREE Dating Non-Negotiables Guide
- Visit my website: www.chantellethecoach.com
- Follow me on Instagram: @ChantelleTheCoach
- Follow me on TikTok: @ChantelleTheCoach
And if you loved this episode, HIT SUBSCRIBE to stay up to date for your weekly dose of The Single Spark.
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Music from Ep 110 onwards by Kadien Music. Get your own podcast music here!
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life coaching for singles, how to be okay on you're own, overcoming loneliness, how to stop feeling lonely, single women, divorced in your 20s
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DISCLAIMER: The podcast and content posted by Chantelle The Coach is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

บท

1. Navigating Independence in Relationships (00:00:00)

2. Maintaining Independence in Relationships (00:06:18)

3. Balancing Independence in Relationships (00:16:20)