Being single in a society that is constantly pushing love and relationships down our throats isn’t easy. Us single ladies can get down on ourselves when we start thinking, “What's wrong with me that I’m still single?” Living in a world of romantic comedies, PDAs all over social media, and countless self-help books on “How to Get a Man” can take a toll on a single sista. I mean, there’s even a freakin’ national holiday that leaves non-relationship people running for cover.
Where is the Single Persons Holiday? Or the “Why You Should Stay Single” book? People put too much emphasis on being in a relationship and we forget the benefits of being single. And let me tell you — there are many positives.
To be Selfish
This is the one time in your life you can be as selfish as you want. You don’t have to think about pleasing your partner. You get to only worry about pleasing yourself. And how nice is that? There’s a time for selflessness, and there’s a time for thinking about you — and that you time is now. Sometimes when we get into relationships, we lose sight of ourselves. Our other half is always on our minds. Now you can think about what it is that YOU want. Bask in this moment.
Time
Being single means you have all the time in the world. Some people view this as a negative, but I see it as the most exciting thing about being a one-some. If someone asks you to get together, you don’t need to check with anyone else but yourself. You rule your time now. You can do what you want at whatever time you want. You also have more time to do the things you enjoy. So instead of watching those boring TV shows your ex made you watch, you can now use this time to hit up the gym or get coffee with a friend. You’re the queen of your clock.
Dating
Don’t let those negative nancys who always say, “Dating is the worst,” get the best of you. Dating is fun and exciting. You get to experience new things and new people. Take this time to be in the moment and enjoy it. This is when you learn about what you want and what you don’t want in a partner. You get to dress up, go out, wine-and-dine — what’s not to like?
Girls’ Nights
One of the most thrilling parts about being single is all the girls’ night that are going to happen. Instead of those Friday nights in with your previous partner, now it’s those Friday nights out with the ladies. Dance the night away with your gal pals. There’s nothing better than getting together with your besties and enjoying each other’s company. Even if your friends are in relationships, trust me, they will love to use you as an excuse to go out. Everyone loves a single gal.
Finding Yourself
It’s crucial to take the time while being single to not only enjoy it, but to tune inwards. The most significant relationship you will have in your life is the one you have with yourself. Don’t lose sight of this. To be single means being able to take the time to figure out who you are. What do you like? What do you want for your future? What makes YOU happy? Start to explore yourself, because, if not now, when?
Not Shaving
Sorry, I know, this should have been on the top of the list. Welcome to the best part of being single: saying goodbye to shaving. Sayonara razors, hello hair. It’s just you tonight, is it? Well, I guess you don’t need to shave those legs now (to be fair, you never did — it can always be your choice to go hairy, no matter what your bedtime companions might say). Now your showers are much quicker and you are more than fine with that. Being hairy never felt so good.
Travel
Single time is the best time to travel. You don’t need to work with another person’s schedule, or where your significant other would like to go. You can pick up and go. You want to fly to Vegas for the weekend? You can. You’ve always wanted to go to Barcelona for a month. Book those flights, baby. Make lifelong memories in different parts of the world. You will never regret it.
Trying New Things
When you are in a relationship, sometimes your partner only sees you in a certain light. He or she can hold you back in some ways. But, not anymore. When you’re single you can try out any new thing your heart desires. So you want a pixie cut but was afraid Joey wouldn’t like it? This is your chance. Try out new styles. Mix it up a bit. Maybe you’ve always wanted to live in Austin, Texas. Now you can. Nothing and no one is holding you back anymore.
Image: robie06/Flickr
