When you’re single, it can seem like you’re always surrounded by happily coupled up people. They’re everywhere, and it’s enough to make you feel like the last single person on earth. By now, you know all the great things about being single, but that doesn’t mean you don’t feel lonely sometimes. Rather than dwelling on your current situation, try to remember that just because you’re single doesn’t mean you’re alone.
- Your friendships get more of your attention. It can be hard to maintain strong friendships when you’re busy spending every free second with a boyfriend. But when you’re single, you have all the time in the world to get together with friends. Then hopefully, when you do meet a guy, you’ll have built friendships that you genuinely want to continue to make time for.
- Your family loves you unconditionally. Your family doesn’t care what your relationship status is as long as you’re happy. No matter what happens in your love life, they’ll be there for you, so you can really never say you’re alone as long as you have them in your corner.
- Your co-workers can be a great distraction. As much as they probably infuriate you sometimes, they still have their good points. Plus, going out for Thursday happy hour is always a fun way to get to know each other. Who knows — one of them might even have a cute friend you could hit it off with. Co-workers are an often untapped resource for potential set ups.
- You always have Tinder to fall back on. Being single today isn’t like it was ten years ago. Before, you had no choice but to wait around hoping to meet someone, but now you can just hop on Tinder, do some swiping, and have a date in an hour. They might not always be good dates, per se, but you never have to spend a Friday night home alone if you don’t want to. It’s nice to have that option — even if you rarely choose to use it.
- Millions of other single girls know how you feel. This very website is evidence that your feelings — good and bad — about being single are completely valid and probably shared by a lot of other people who know exactly what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences can be a great way to get the reassurance you need that you’re not alone and you will find love.
- Your hairdresser can always make you feel good about yourself. Of course it’s part of her job to chat with you while she cuts your hair, but you’ve been going to her for so long that you’re like old friends. She knows exactly how you like your bangs and always has the best suggestions for color. Basically, she knows you better than you know yourself. Well, your hair at least.
- Your local Chinese food place always remembers your order. So what if they know it because you call for delivery at least twice a week? They even throw in extra spring rolls because you’re one of their most loyal customers — that doesn’t happen to just anyone.
- Your pet is always available to cuddle. The love of a pet is truly unconditional. Your cat or dog (or rabbit or ferret) needs you — and they’ll always be waiting patiently at the door for you to come back. There isn’t much better than waking up to a warm cuddly pet in your bed. Not even a boyfriend can beat that.
- There are plenty of new people to meet through your hobbies. Yoga classes, book clubs, cooking classes, true crime aficionado meet-ups — it doesn’t matter what your interests are, there are always plenty of other people who are into the same things. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there and you’ll make all the friends you need to fill in your alone time.
- Don’t forget your own company. Spending long periods of time alone isn’t for everyone, but carving out time to enjoy your own company once in awhile is still a must. The more okay you are with being alone, the less desperate to find someone you’ll feel. Might as well enjoy your time to yourself, because there will come a day when you won’t have nearly enough of it anymore.