Staying Single Doesn't Suck: Here Are 5 Good Reasons

 With social media and its influence, we mostly find ourselves comparing ourselves to others. Whether in terms of relationships, outings, hobbies or almost everything. That's where the problem’s rooted. We are not acting as per wishes or needs but rather in this pity race of being “cool” or “as good as them”. We end up thinking that we're losing out in life because we don't have a fairytale relationship to show off on social media.

I have seen so many of those cute couple reels and stories and sometimes it makes me wonder if the idea of a boyfriend or a partner might just miraculously solve all my problems and I would be caught in this euphoric feeling. But let’s hold that thought because I have successfully been able to look past it and see the reality. Saul Bellow once said, “Associate with the noblest people you can find; read the best books; live with the mighty; but learn to be happy alone.” He’s the recipient of several honorary awards for his contribution to literature and I think this quote is surely among my tops from him.  I relate to this quote while I celebrate my singlehood.

This had me contemplating for a good number of hours and let me save you from doing the same hard work.

5 Benefits Of Being Single

1. More Time And Energy For Me

Hands down, this is a priority. When I look at my friends or my parents for that matter I see how in a relationship a partner becomes your priority; you start making plans according to them, and let’s be honest it gets a little exhausting right? As it is we have limited hours in a day and so much to do, so the little time I get would probably be reserved for me to unwind, relax, and ponder upon something. 

2. Fewer Responsibilities

By not committing to a relationship presently, I save myself from any distractions. True story: I am a people-pleaser. I try my best to not disappoint someone even with their slightest request and for that, I have done so many things that I probably wanted to deny but couldn’t all because I didn't want to disappoint someone, most of the time I don't even know them quite well before I give in to their requests. I don't want to commit to something wholeheartedly knowing that I won't enjoy something my partner shares an interest in. I would rather spare myself from the burden of pleasing someone significant if I am not ready for it and then feel pressured by it. That does a lot more damage in the long run, for both of us.

3. No Lies At Home

Brown families are still not open to their daughter’s dating, at least while we are still students, the reason can range out of anything from the spectrum. In a way, I get to keep my mental peace intact as I am not caught in a spiral of lies or stuck with guilt for lying.

Suggested Reading: Please Stop! I Don’t Need Toxic Positivity On Social Media

4. More Time For Strong Friendships

Single folks aren't stuck at home moping about how they are lonely rather we are out busy building strong foundations of long-lasting friendships. We aren’t isolated because of the lack of a partner, but we are sure of meeting, interacting, and discussing ideas or opinions with like-minded people(or not!). In all, we are not restricted in any way whether it's time consideration or approval of someone while forming platonic bonds.

5. You're Not Settling For Anything Less

I would rather wait for someone with whom I am compatible and comfortable rather than put in effort for something that won't work as per my expectations. I refuse to give in to this pressure of dating and regretting if I made a wrong choice simply because I was in a hurry. There is a widely held misconception that being single makes one miserable.

I think we just need to look at it through a different lens. Being single can also be a choice and choices must be respected. We should not believe everything on social media and fall prey to self-pitying because we mind not be alike a portion of the users. We must learn to be comfortable than to be sorry. Being single or being in a relationship is subjective and should be based entirely on the needs and decisions of the people involved. There is no need to feel ">pressured in any way, this decision might make or break someone and so it should be taken with due regard.

Opinions expressed are author's own.