We are brought up to think we should pair up with someone as we get older: 8 reasons why being single is better than ok

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | December 14, 2024, 9:06 am

Society often pushes us towards the idea that growing older equates to settling down with a significant other. But, what if flying solo is not just okay, but actually better?

Being single isn’t about being alone or lonely. It’s about embracing independence, exploring self-growth, and choosing to live life on your own terms.

Here’s a fresh perspective on why being single can be more than just okay. So, let’s delve into the eight reasons why singlehood might be your best life yet.

1) Independence is liberating

One of the most celebrated aspects of being single is the sheer sense of freedom it offers.

Without a partner to consider, your life decisions are yours and yours alone. This can lead to a profound sense of independence and self-determination. You’re free to pursue your passions, chase your dreams, and live life exactly as you wish.

No need to compromise on your lifestyle or sacrifice your preferences for someone else’s. This kind of freedom can be liberating and empowering.

Remember, being single doesn’t mean being alone. It simply means being in charge of your own life and happiness. And there’s nothing better than that.

2) Discovering self-love

When I was younger, I jumped from one relationship to another, always looking for someone to complete me. It wasn’t until a significant breakup that I found myself truly alone for the first time.

During this period of singlehood, I learned the importance of self-love. Being single gave me the time and space to explore my own needs, desires, and passions. It allowed me to grow as an individual and nurture a healthy relationship with myself.

I learned to enjoy my own company, to prioritize my own needs and ultimately, I found a sense of peace and happiness that was not dependent on anyone else. This was a revelation for me – realizing that my happiness is in my own hands.

Remember, you’re more than enough on your own. Embrace your singlehood as a chance to love and appreciate yourself more deeply.

3) More time for friends and family

When you’re in a committed relationship, it can sometimes be challenging to balance time between your partner and your loved ones. According to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, people in romantic relationships tend to spend less time with their friends compared to those who are single.

Being single means you can dedicate more quality time to the people who have been there for you through thick and thin. You can build stronger bonds with your friends and family, attend family gatherings without any constraints, plan impromptu outings with friends, and be there for them when they need you.

Imagine all the memories you can create and the stronger connections you can foster when you have more time and energy to invest in your loved ones. It’s truly one of the perks of being single.

4) Personal development and growth

Being single provides a golden opportunity for personal development. Without the responsibilities and obligations that come with a relationship, you’re free to focus on your personal growth and self-improvement.

You can invest time in picking up new skills, exploring new hobbies, advancing your career, or pursuing further education. This is the time to set personal goals and work towards achieving them without any distractions.

From learning a new language to traveling solo, the world is your oyster when you’re single. Embrace this opportunity to grow, explore, and become the best version of yourself.

5) Embracing solitude

In today’s fast-paced society, we’re often made to feel like being alone is something to be avoided. But there’s a significant difference between being alone and being lonely.

Being single offers you the chance to embrace solitude — and that can be a beautiful thing. It’s in these quiet moments that we often find time for reflection, introspection, and genuine peace.

Solitude allows us to get in touch with our thoughts and feelings, understand ourselves better, and build a strong foundation of self-reliance and resilience. It’s an opportunity to fall in love with your own company and find contentment within yourself.

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to enjoy your own company. After all, the most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself.

6) Overcoming fear of being alone

I’ll admit it, I used to be terrified of being alone. The thought of not being in a relationship made me feel incomplete. But over time, I realized that this fear was holding me back.

Being single forced me to confront this fear head-on. It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it. I learned to cherish my own company and found joy in doing things alone, from going for a movie to dining out.

This journey taught me that being single doesn’t mean you’re alone or unloved. It simply means you’re strong enough to wait for what you deserve and brave enough to face the world on your own terms. It’s about breaking free from societal expectations and defining your own path.

So don’t be afraid of being alone. Embrace it as a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. You’ll be surprised at how strong and capable you really are.

7) Financial independence

Being single can also be a smart financial move. You are in total control of your money, how you spend it, save it, or invest it. There’s no need to worry about shared expenses or arguments over differing financial goals.

You can set your own financial objectives and work towards them at your own pace. Whether it’s buying a home, starting a business, or saving for retirement, being single means you’re in the driver’s seat of your financial journey.

So take advantage of this opportunity to secure your financial future and achieve your economic goals. After all, financial independence is a significant step towards overall independence.

8) You define your own worth

Being in a relationship doesn’t validate your worth, and being single doesn’t diminish it. Your value as a person isn’t determined by your relationship status.

Being single allows you to define your own worth, based on your terms. It teaches you that you are enough just as you are and that your happiness doesn’t have to be tied to another person.

So remember, whether single or paired up, you are valuable, worthy, and deserving of happiness. Your relationship status doesn’t define you – you do.

Final thoughts: It’s all about choice

Our lives are governed by choices. The choice to be in a relationship or to remain single is one of them. It’s important to remember that being single or being in a relationship doesn’t define your worth or happiness.

A study by Bella DePaulo, a psychologist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that single people are often more connected to parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. When people marry, they become more insular.

But ultimately, whether you choose to be single or in a relationship should be about what makes you feel fulfilled and content. If being single allows you to pursue your passions, invest in your personal growth, and enjoy your independence, then it is not just okay – it’s fantastic.

At the end of the day, it’s your life. Live it on your terms. Be happy with who you are and remember: You are enough just as you are. So whether you’re single or paired up, embrace it. After all, happiness is not a destination but a journey that you define for yourself.