Why My Single Days Were My Happiest Ones

I’m happily coupled up now, but I have to admit that when I was single, I was the happiest I’ve ever been. I’d been in a serious relationship since I was 16, so being alone was something that I thought would be scary  — but it was actually the opposite. Being by myself was the most exhilarating time in my life. I was free to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to do it. Here’s why it was so great:

1. You save a TON of money. These days, most couples agree to go dutch, which is great, but the constant dates and anniversaries and birthdays can get expensive. As a single lady, all of your hard earned money goes to Y-O-U.
2. You can flirt with as many men as you’d like. Flirting can be a ton of fun, especially when you’re single. You aren’t leading anyone on, you’re just having fun. Flirting leads to free drinks, and who doesn’t love a free Red Bull vodka?
3. Girl time, all the time. The sentence, “Oh sorry girls, I can’t go out for margaritas Friday, I have Billy’s grandma’s 80th birthday party!” doesn’t happen. It’s girl time, all the time, if you want.
4. There are no expectations. Guys can let you down. You have all these expectations of what you WANT your boyfriend to do, but he never does it. No offense to the men out there, but getting your hopes up and being disappointed really sucks.
5. You don’t have to deal with jealousy — yours or a guys. At some point, most girls have gotten jealous. While you are single, you’re as free as a bird and have nothing to worry about expect for looking and feeling great.
6. No sharing the DVR. Goodbye The Wire, hello The Bachelor.
7. Dating is easy and super casual. Nowadays we have Bumble, Tinder, Match, Happn, or just the old fashioned way of meeting someone at the bar to meet someone and go out with. Nothing is forever, and you have the right to stop seeing anyone at any time. You had a great first date and it was fun, but there was no connection? No big deal. Swipe on to the next one.
8. You’re never held to any set plans. It’s so great not having to worry about a set double date your man made with his weird friend from college and his girlfriend. Playing every weekend by ear is such a fun way to live.
9. You don’t have to share a bed. There’s nothing worse than a guy that snores and takes up the bed. You can sleep diagonal or spread eagle every single night if that’s what you want. All those fluffy warm pillows and blankets? They’re all yours.
10. INDEPENDENCE. Do you! Do whatever you want. You’re strong and independent and you don’t need any guy to complete you.