Being single and loving it is an art and a science.

The key? It’s all about your behaviors. There are certain habits that can keep you from enjoying your solo status, turning it into a burden rather than a blessing.

I’m here to give you the lowdown on the 8 behaviors you’ll want to drop if you’re aiming for single and satisfied. So, get ready to wave goodbye to the habits that hold you back, and say hello to a happier, healthier single life.

Stick with me, and soon you’ll see just how liberating being happy and single can truly be.

1) Comparing yourself to others

One of the most common traps we fall into when we’re single? Comparison.

The danger of scrolling through social media profiles, seeing happy couples together, and feeling like you’re falling behind is real. But remember, what you see online is often a carefully curated highlight reel, not the full story.

Comparison is the thief of joy. It can rob you of your ability to appreciate your own journey, diminish your self-esteem, and make you feel like you’re not enough just because you’re single.

But here’s the truth: being single is not a defect or a lack. It’s a state – and it can be a really wonderful one when embraced.

Give up the habit of comparing your single life to others’ relationships. Embrace your own path, and find joy in your solo journey. It’s the first step towards being truly happy single.

2) Waiting for someone to complete you

I remember a time when I thought that finding “the one” would magically solve all my problems and make me feel complete. I was waiting for someone else to fill up the empty spaces in my life.

But guess what? That’s not a healthy or fair expectation to put on anyone. And it’s not a good way to live your own life, either.

It took me some time and quite a bit of self-reflection, but eventually, I realized that the only person who can complete me is…me.

Being single gave me the opportunity to find my own strengths, to discover what makes me happy, and to create a life I love. So don’t wait for someone else to make your life complete. You have everything you need within yourself to be happy single.

3) Neglecting self-care

Did you know that the World Health Organization recognizes self-care as a vital part of maintaining good health and wellbeing?

When we’re single, it can be easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. We might fall into the trap of eating junk food, neglecting exercise, or letting our sleep schedule slide.

But these unhealthy habits can lead to feeling low and unfulfilled. On the other hand, engaging in regular self-care activities – like healthy eating, regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep – can boost your mood and overall happiness.

4) Seeking constant distraction

Being alone with our thoughts can feel uncomfortable at times. It’s tempting to fill every moment with distractions – binge-watching TV shows, mindlessly scrolling through social media, or jumping from one social event to another.

However, constant distraction prevents us from truly connecting with ourselves. It keeps us from reflecting on our feelings, understanding our desires, and setting personal goals.

Learning to enjoy your own company and cultivate solitude is a vital part of being happy while single. So next time you find yourself reaching for a distraction, try taking a moment of quiet instead. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself.

5) Holding onto past relationships

Letting go is never easy, especially when it comes to past relationships. Those memories can hold a special place in our hearts, and sometimes, they can leave us trapped in the past.

But holding onto past relationships can prevent us from fully embracing our present single status. It can keep us stuck in a cycle of what-ifs and if-onlys, making it hard to move forward and find happiness in our current situation.

Learn from the hard ones, but allow yourself to move on. Only then can you truly open yourself up to the happiness that being single can bring.

6) Ignoring your passions

Once upon a time, I let my passion for painting slip away. I got caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, feeling like I didn’t have the time or energy to devote to my art.

But here’s what I’ve learned since then: neglecting your passions can leave you feeling unfulfilled and discontented. On the flip side, pursuing what you love can bring you immense joy and satisfaction.

Don’t ignore your passions. Whether it’s painting, hiking, cooking, writing, dancing – whatever makes your heart sing – make time for it in your life. It’s one of the best ways to find happiness while being single.

7) Depending on others for happiness

It’s natural to derive joy from our relationships with others. However, it becomes problematic when our happiness solely depends on these external relationships.

Relying on others for happiness is like building a house on shifting sands. People change, relationships evolve, and if your happiness is tied to someone else, it’s bound to be unstable.

The key to being happy single? Find joy within yourself. Cultivate hobbies, nurture your mental and physical health, and embrace self-love.

When you do this, you create a solid foundation for your happiness that isn’t dependent on anyone else.

8) Believing that being single is a curse

Listen up. There’s nothing wrong with being single. It’s not a curse, nor is it a testament of your worth or desirability. It’s simply a life status, and it has its own unique set of benefits.

You have the freedom to focus on personal growth, to pursue your passions without compromise, and to cultivate a deep sense of self-love and independence.

Change that narrative. See being single not as a curse, but as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.

And don’t forget, your happiness isn’t tied to your relationship status, but to how you live your life.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

The way we perceive our single status can have a profound impact on our happiness.

A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who valued time and autonomy reported greater life satisfaction, regardless of whether they were in a relationship or not.

Being single allows you the freedom to shape your life exactly as you want it, unfettered by the compromises that come with a partnership. It can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience if you embrace it fully.

The key is to let go of societal pressures and expectations, and instead focus on what makes you truly happy.

Being single is not a condition to be remedied but a status to be celebrated. It’s a time for self-discovery, personal growth, and self-love.

Embrace your single status. Cherish your independence. Cultivate happiness within yourself. And most importantly, remember that being single and being happy are not mutually exclusive – they can go hand in hand.