HAPPY Monday!

Let’s just say it: relationships can be amazing—and also a lot! One day you’re on cloud nine, the next you’re overanalyzing every emoji in a text. 😅 We’ve all been there. But here’s the real question: Can a boyfriend actually make you HAPPY? And how in the world do you find true satisfaction?

Let me give it to you straight : the answer is no—and yes. Confused yet? Stick with me.

Here’s the no part: No one person, not even the cutest, sweetest, God-fearing, rom-com-worthy boyfriend can be your source of happiness. Trust me on this. If you’re looking for a guy to complete you, you’re setting him up to disappoint you, and yourself up to be let down. That’s way too much pressure on a human. (And let’s be honest, boys barely remember to feed themselves, much less fill the God-sized hole in your heart. 💁‍♀️)

But here’s the yes part: YES, you can enjoy life with someone. YES, love is amazing. YES, a relationship can absolutely add so much joy to your journey. But only if you’ve already learned how to be happy  ANYWAY.

That’s what I wrote about in my book Happy ANYWAY. It’s about finding your joy and learning to live it out even when life isn’t perfect. Even when your relationship status is complicated. Even when things don’t go your way. You’ve got to learn to be content, fulfilled, and yes—happy ANYWAY.

And then there’s Love ANYWAY. That book? Whew. It’s for the girl who’s been hurt, disappointed, or just straight-up ghosted, and is trying to figure out how to love again without losing herself in the process. Loving anyway means forgiving even when you don’t get the apology. It means not letting the past write your future. And it absolutely means loving yourself enough to stop settling for crumbs when you were made for a feast.

So, how can you actually be satisfied?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

God has to be your source. Like for real. Not just on a t-shirt or cute coffee mug—but deep in your soul. He created you, knows you, and is the only one who can fill every lonely, empty, wondering space in your heart.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit, not a result of someone else’s behavior. That means your boyfriend’s mood swings, texts (or lack thereof), or his attention doesn’t have the power to make or break your day—unless you hand him that power.

You’re allowed to want a relationship. God designed you for love and connection, but it’s not your identity. Want it? Yes. Worship it? No.

Ask better questions. Instead of, “Why won’t he text back?” try “What does God want to do in my heart right now?” or “What am I avoiding that I need to heal from?”

Be the happy girl before you’re the girlfriend. The healthiest relationships come from two whole people—not two halves hoping the other will fix what’s missing.

So, can a boyfriend make you happy?

Nope. But you can be happy ANYWAY.

And when you are? You’ll stop asking who can make you happy and start living in the joy you were created for.

And that joy? That’s attractive. That’s magnetic. That’s real.

So whether you’re single, talking, dating, healing, or thriving in a relationship—remember this:

You were created to live fully, love freely, and be satisfied in your soul, no matter what season you’re in.

XO,

Adrienne 💖

Check out last blog here: Am I Enough?

Find encouragement for every season with Adrienne Cooley’s books Happy Anyway, Love Anyway, Believe Anyway, and one-on-one coaching—available now at https://www.happyanyway.org/shop