Being in a relationship is great, but when it comes to improving my life, I make a lot more progress when I’m single. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break from dating and having some more ‘me’ time. Here’s why I won’t let being single get me down:
- I enjoy my own company. I know some people who can’t stand being on their own, but I love it. Those moments when I turn off my phone and start reading a book instead are great for the soul. I like the spontaneity of doing whatever I want to do without ever feeling like something or someone is holding me back. I don’t have to consider anyone else’s needs, and from a selfish point of view, it’s a fantastic way of learning to love being in my own company.
- Traveling is so much easier. Traveling with a partner is risky business. There’s always the fear of having an argument and returning home sooner than expected. And just like that, the trip is ruined. I prefer going alone as I have complete control of whatever I want to do. I choose where to eat and where to visit, and it’s a great way to make some new friends: something that’s usually impossible if your partner is by your side the entire time.
- I don’t have to pretend to like his friends. It’s bad enough having to interact with people at work, but pretending to get along with a boyfriend’s friends and family gives me a lot of anxiety. One of the many perks of being single is that I can postpone this inevitable situation until I learn how to tolerate being around people out of necessity rather than choice.
- I have no one to impress. In the beginning of a relationship, there’s so much pressure to look good for your partner. I put on more makeup than usual and I spend more time deciding what to wear. I feel insecure about my appearance. I compare myself to other girls even though I shouldn’t. It makes me feel like I’m trying too hard instead of just being myself. Right now I’m just focusing on feeling comfortable in my own skin. Bring on the comfy yet unflattering clothes and minimal makeup — I’m so here for it!
- I have time to start a new hobby. There are so many things that I’d like to start but would otherwise put off as it doesn’t quite fit into my busy schedule. Not anymore. I’m going to spend that extra time wisely by starting a new hobby. And I won’t be doing it for anyone else — I’ll be doing it because it’s what I want.
- There’s less pressure. I can say whatever I want without the worry of it turning into an argument and post whatever I want on social media without it being taken the wrong way. An innocent tweet or post can easily be misinterpreted, and this is why it’s ultimately one of the biggest hurdles in any relationship. I can get by without that.
- I spend less time on my phone. When I’m interested in someone, it’s a guarantee that I’ll be texting him at every opportunity I get. Even on those days when I’m really busy, I’ll go out of my way to send him a message just to reassure him of my feelings. But when I think about all of those minutes and hours I spend talking to someone through a screen, it all seems a bit too much. What ever happened to taking time out of the day and having a little ‘me’ time instead? I’m cutting this down and concentrating on myself from now on.
- I have more money to spend. I find that I have more money when I’m not dating. Dinners out, trips, gifts, and transportation all add up really quickly. Since I’m not trying to impress anyone, I have more control over my spending habits, and it means that I can save up for something that I really want.
- I can be as selfish as I want because I’m my only priority. I’m one of those people who feels smothered when spending a lot of time around the same person. I like my own company, but it’s difficult to express this to someone without pushing them away. That’s why relationships can be difficult. I can’t be selfish because I have someone else’s feelings to think about. But what I really want is for someone to understand that I like my personal space without getting offended. Until that person comes along, I’m content with being single and having total control of my life.
