When you’re single, it seems like you see happy couples everywhere you look — strangers in the streets, your co-workers, even a good chunk of your friends have their partners to Netflix and chill with. The good news is that being single doesn’t have to mean that you’re bitter and alone. In fact, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing at all. Here’s how to love the single life in what seems to be a couples world:
- Date you. Take yourself out for a wicked meal once in a while or see that rom-com by yourself. There’s no shame in a confident woman knowing what she likes to do and doing it by herself. You enjoy your own company and that’s the best feeling in the world.
- Enjoy the little things. There are things that people in relationships just can’t do — at least not as easily as you can. You get to live for you without having to check in with anyone else or compromise on anything, and that, my friend, is a beautiful thing.
- Embrace being alone. You have all the “me time” in the world. When you do end up finding Mr. Right, that alone time will be gone faster than you can say, “Please go away!” Enjoy it while it lasts.
- Don’t assume that being in a relationship makes people happier. A relationship doesn’t equal happiness, even if your friends’ Facebook posts tell you otherwise. Relationships can bring a load of problems and stress that can really cramp your style. Be happy with just you.
- Enjoy some guilt-free flirting. Not all partners go crazy over harmless flirting, but you won’t have to worry either way. Even when you’re invited to that dinner and your dreading the fact you’ll be the only spare wheel, just remember — no one else gets to mercilessly flirt with the hot waiter.
- Remember that you won’t be alone forever. You’re single, yes, but you’re not going to die alone because you aren’t in a relationship right now. You’ll find the right person for you eventually, and when you do, your relationship will be better for it because you took the time to truly get to know and love yourself first.
- Focus on other life goals. You’re a smart, strong and independent woman so love can’t be the only thing you’re striving for. Focus on your career, your well-being, family and friends.
- Realize that appily ever after is a myth. This isn’t Cinderella and even the best man won’t give you a happily ever. Life doesn’t fade to black after the wedding day and marriage isn’t an end game, so stop treating it like it’s the finish line.
- Banish the idea that being single means you’re unlovable. Don’t think you’re single because something is wrong with you, because there isn’t. People are settling everywhere and you can be happy that you’re not one of them. Your awesome self isn’t going to settle for anything less than the best.
- Forget your biological clock. So you’re one of the last of your group of friends left single, and you’re worried everyone around you is settling down into the family thing and you’re not? There’s no need to worry, because life isn’t a race. There’s no need to rush through it — it’s short enough.