It's time we recognize being single and not dating for what it is: A truly glorious thing. Not only does being a single woman allow you to pay attention to yourself, you're free to experience the blissful independence that can come when you're completely unattached. It may be true that the rest of the world may be trying to get you into a relationship ASAP – archaic mentalities that are still stuck in the 1950s still believe that the only way someone can feel fulfilled is if they have a partner. And yeah, being in love is a wonderful thing, but the beauty of being alone is way too underrated. And sometimes, being single is just what's best for you.
Having a partner will come in its due time if that's what you're looking for, but if you're still in that phase of your life where you're flying solo, whether by choice or not, it's time to think of the single world as your oyster.
I've been single for over four years, which is not only my decision but the way I prefer to be right now. Because I'm young (fresh out of school, baby!) I can fully recognize that living life as a single woman offers me a lot of the freedoms I need to grow as an individual and experience the things I want to do. Sure, a lot of these things you can do when you're in a relationship but they're also nice to take advantage of when you're only focus is you. That's why I've come up with my own bucket list for single women, to make sure I get to do just about everything my little, unattached heart desires. And if you're single, you may want to try a thing or two for yourself.
1. Satisfy Your Wanderlust
All I want to do is travel. I think about it night and day, and spend way too much time dreaming about decently affordable apartments in foreign cities. I've made a list of all the places I want to go, and I've promised myself that if the opportunity ever came around, I'd hop on a plane at a moment's notice if it means I get to go there. The best part of it all? I pretty much can. Financial issues aside (hello, student loans!) being single means that I can go to any place in the world for however long I wish without worrying about someone waiting up for me. Oh, the beauty of being a young, free agent!
2. Have That One-Night Stand
Just because you're not dating doesn't mean every night has to be a romantic evening spent with your vibrator. When you're single, you can be just as sexually experimental as someone in a relationship. If that's something you're comfortable with, of course, and you're being safe about it.
3. Go All Out With Pampering Yourself
Maybe it's just me, but I love how my solo lifestyle allows me to spend my money how I want, when I want. Dating and relationships are downright expensive, but when you're on your own, you're free to spend that money you would be using on an unnecessary anniversary present for yourself. My vice has always been makeup and skincare products, so the moment I get my pay check, I blow a decent chunk on a great face mask or lipstick. You decide what pampering yourself means to you, and go all out.
4. Try The Solo Dinner (Or At Least Dessert)
OK, this is totally not for everyone, but why not try it once? There's nothing wrong with going out to eat by yourself because you want to. It's not every night that a friend will be around to grab that truffle oil mac and cheese you've been dying to get, so why not treat yourself? Eating alone doesn't have to be awkward if you don't let it be. Simply show up, order your food confidently, and enjoy the heavenly taste of melted cheese.
5. Finally Take That Class You Were Interested In
Like I said, being single means your time and your money are completely your own. Maybe you've always had a thing for pottery, or perhaps it's time to go back to school and take that sociology class you've always been curious about. Whatever it is, go out there, do it and meet new people. I'm thinking yoga may just be in my future.
6. Binge-Watch To Your Heart's Content
So you've been dying to finally watch Breaking Bad? Or maybe you're just really excited that the last three episodes of Vanderpump Rules is available On-Demand. Whatever it is, night's spent in with yourself, some TV, and a pint of cookie dough are a complete possibility. And it's pretty freaking amazing.
7. Get On The Meditation Grind
Trying a holistic approach to your health that allows you to cope with the stress of your day is always a good idea, and when you're completely focused on yourself, it's a possibility. I love meditation because it allows me to be alone and work on clearing my mind from anything that is potentially bothering me. It's true that you can do this when you're in a relationship, but I've found it's a lot easier to focus on your mind, body, and emotional health when you're your first priority.
8. Live In Another City
Why the hell not? If you've ever been curious about living in another city, even if it's just for a little while, why not do it? It's painfully obvious that I am a born and bred New Yorker, but that doesn't mean I haven't been insanely curious about what it's like to live on the West Coast. If you've ever had the desire to experience a different lifestyle, the best time to get up and move would be when you're completely unattached.
9. Plan Weekend Trips With Your Friends
If you're broke, single, and wanderlusting hard, this could be the perfect solution to getting away. Go to a vineyard over the weekend, or maybe do a two-day trip to another city and explore the sites. Whatever it is, spending time with your best friends and getting to go somewhere new spontaneously is one of the greatest parts about being single.
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