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

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | November 12, 2024, 6:00 am

Society often makes us feel like we need a partner to be complete. But hey, who says being single isn’t perfectly ok?

Allow me to break the mold a little. Being single isn’t a life sentence nor is it a state of loneliness. It’s more about self-discovery, independence, and freedom.

Let’s debunk this myth that we need to be in a relationship to be fulfilled. I’ve got eight solid reasons why flying solo is more than just alright.

Get ready to embrace the single life and all the freedom it comes with. After all, it’s about time we celebrated being complete, just by ourselves.

1) Embracing solitude

Let’s face it, we live in a world that values togetherness and companionship. It’s almost as if being alone is a taboo. But here’s the thing, being alone and being lonely are two different things.

Being single allows you to embrace solitude, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s about enjoying your own company and finding peace in your own presence.

Think about it. When you’re single, you get to decide on your own terms, without having to compromise or adjust for anyone else. You get the chance to explore your interests, pursue your passions, and basically just be yourself.

In fact, learning to be content with your own company can be a truly empowering experience.

So, being single isn’t about being lonely. It’s about embracing solitude and learning to enjoy your own company. And I must say, it’s quite liberating!

2) Independence and self-reliance

I’ll let you in on a little secret from my own journey. I spent a good chunk of my early 20s in relationships, hopping from one to the next, convinced that I needed someone by my side to feel secure and fulfilled.

But then, life happened. I found myself single and initially, it was terrifying. The thought of coming back to an empty home, cooking meals for one, or managing all my finances on my own seemed daunting.

Over time though, I realized that being single was actually helping me grow as an individual. I was becoming more independent, more self-reliant. From managing my own bills to fixing a leaky faucet, I was doing it all.

I began to appreciate myself more, started loving the woman I was becoming. This newfound independence didn’t just make me self-sufficient; it made me feel powerful.

So from personal experience, I can tell you that being single can help you discover your own strength and capabilities. It’s a wonderful opportunity to become the person you’ve always wanted to be.

3) Room for personal growth

Ever heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? It’s a psychological theory that talks about human motivation. At the very top of this pyramid is a concept called self-actualization.

Self-actualization refers to the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

Being single gives you ample time and opportunity to work on self-actualization. You get to focus on your personal growth, work on your skills, and pursue your passions without any distractions.

This isn’t to say that people in relationships can’t grow personally. But being single provides an unfiltered space for self-improvement and self-discovery, allowing you to realize your full potential.

4) Freedom and flexibility

When you are single, your time is entirely your own. You have the freedom to do what you want when you want, without having to consider someone else’s schedule, preferences or opinions.

Want to take a spontaneous road trip over the weekend? Go ahead. Fancy trying out that new Thai restaurant downtown? No one’s stopping you. Feel like binge-watching your favorite show till late at night? You’ve got the remote control.

This freedom isn’t just about big decisions either. It’s about everyday choices – from what you want to eat for breakfast to how you want to spend your evening.

Being single means having the flexibility to live life on your own terms. It’s about being the master of your own destiny, and there’s something incredibly liberating about that.

5) Self-love and self-care

There’s something simply beautiful about being single. It’s the perfect time to truly fall in love with yourself.

When you’re single, you have the opportunity to really focus on self-care. Whether it’s nurturing your physical health through regular exercise, taking care of your mental well-being with meditation, or simply indulging in things that make you happy, being single gives you the time and space to put yourself first.

Too often, we are so busy taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. But remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Being single is an opportunity to refill your cup, to nurture yourself and cultivate self-love. It’s a time to be selfish in the best possible way and take care of your own needs before anyone else’s.

And who knows? You might just discover that the greatest love of all is learning to love yourself.

6) Uninterrupted career growth

I’ll admit, when I was in a relationship, I often found myself holding back on my career goals. Whether it was turning down a promotion that required more hours at work or declining an exciting project because it meant less time with my partner, my relationship inadvertently influenced my career decisions.

When I became single, though, things changed. Suddenly, I had the time and energy to fully invest in my career. I could work late if needed, take on challenging assignments, and even consider job opportunities in different cities.

Being single allowed me to focus on my career without any guilt or restrictions. It gave me the freedom to pursue my professional goals with a renewed sense of commitment and drive. And trust me, the satisfaction of achieving your career goals is unparalleled.

So, if you’re single and ambitious, make the most of this time. Use it to propel your career forward and reach new heights.

7) Stronger friendships

When you’re single, you often find more time to invest in your friendships. You can plan weekend getaways, movie nights, or simply catch up over a cup of coffee without having to schedule around a significant other’s commitments.

Friendships are a vital part of our lives. They provide emotional support, keep us grounded, and enrich our lives in countless ways. When you’re single, you have the opportunity to nurture these relationships and form deeper bonds with your friends.

Moreover, strong friendships can fill the companionship void that we often associate with being single. So, being single doesn’t necessarily mean being alone. It could mean having stronger, more fulfilling friendships that add joy and meaning to your life.

8) Self-sufficiency

The most empowering aspect of being single is the self-sufficiency that comes with it. It’s about standing on your own two feet, taking care of yourself, and not relying on anyone else for your happiness.

When you’re single, you’re in charge of your own life. You make the decisions, you bear the consequences, and you reap the rewards. It’s a journey of self-discovery that teaches you resilience, independence, and strength.

Being single isn’t about waiting for someone to complete you. It’s about realizing that you’re already whole, just as you are.

Final thoughts: It’s your journey

At the end of the day, our lives and our experiences are shaped by our personal choices and attitudes. Being single or being in a relationship, both have their own unique advantages and challenges.

One thing I’ve learned from my own journey is that being single is not synonymous with being lonely or incomplete. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to grow, to explore, to be independent, and most importantly, to discover who we really are.

The famous philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre once said, “If you’re lonely when you’re alone, you’re in bad company.” So perhaps, it’s about time we started enjoying our own company and celebrating the power of solitude.

Whether you’re single out of choice or circumstance, remember that it’s okay to be single. It’s more than just okay; it can be a beautiful and enriching experience. So embrace it, relish it and most importantly, make the most of it.

After all, life is a journey of self-discovery and being single can be an incredibly rewarding part of that journey.