Don’t get me wrong, relationships can be great, but after coming out of a long term relationship last year I was scared that I’d be alone forever and totally forgot how to function as an individual. However, after serially dating guys since I was thirteen, I have learnt that the single life is a breath of fresh air that should be embraced, here’s why:
1. You learn how to make yourself happy
In the past I have constantly relied on my partner to make me feel good about myself. Okay, outpourings of affection are great but they arn’t sustainable and if you’re with the wrong person may not happen at all. In being on my own, I have learnt how to cheer myself up, feel good about myself and do the things that I love doing without someone there restricting me. You can do all of these things perfectly fine on your own, rather than relying on the mood and effort of someone else. I effectively feel like I am in a relationship with myself; if I feel like shit, I throw on my pyjamas, put on Friends, draw and remind myself everything is okay.
2. You can do what you want, when you want
I could never get any of my exes to willingly watch a Disney film with me without serious nagging and risk of sarcastic comment. Now I can watch Mulan and sing my heart out without being judged, with all of the popcorn to myself. Also, of course you have sexual freedom: if I met Channing Tatum on a night out, I could go there with no fear of regret.
3. Learning to love your own company
Okay so this one has been the hardest after always spending time with someone else, but now that I’m used to it I love it. I’m so well matched to my own company; I’m suprisingly funny in my head and obviously have great taste in films, music and food. I also don’t have little niggly things about myself that are annoying.Pretty fortunate, considering I have to hang out with myself over the rest of my life.
4. Money
Relationships are expensive: presents, dates, travel. The single life saves you money, fact.
5. Friends and family
Inevitably, relationships result in less attention towards friendships, unless you’re really clever (or just in a healthy relationship) and can maintain both to a great standard. I was shit at that (partially because most of my friends have boyfriends), but now I have ample time to put more effort into my other relationships. At the end of the day, these people are the constant in your lives, even a great going relationship may not last forever. Give them time and they will give you time!!
So go out there, do you, be happy, single and free!!!!!
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