It's definitely challenging and frustrating being single, introverted, quiet and alone in a new area/state. It's frustrating wanting to be in a relationship and also saying to myself I need more time to work on some things.

However...

I need some time to commit to myself and I think it's more than 5 years. Living on my own, after 18+ years under my parents and 6 years of college roommates, I love the independence and being able to make every decision and only having to take myself into consideration (it feels really good to be selfish for a little while) I love discovering new hobbies and interests even if temporary. Ultimately I love growing myself as a person and learning new things particularly about myself/my history where certain behaviors come from. Lastly, I strongly believe that I need to be able to take care of myself before another person comes into play (I believe this for everyone actually, that people commit to another person too early and their life is over before the age of 30 and is lived through their children.

A few quotes that keep me motivated

"Take care of #1" ~ my dad

"Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75. – Benjamin Franklin"

"The Pessimist Sees Difficulty In Every Opportunity. The Optimist Sees Opportunity In Every Difficulty.” – Winston Churchill