Opinion: Women Who Say They Prefer Being Single Are Lying

There are benefits to being single, but none of them outweigh all the good of a happy, healthy relationship. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with rolling solo, but can we all stop acting like being single makes us better than those who are coupled up?

1. It’s nice to have someone who cares. Being in a relationship with someone who cares about you—I mean really cares—is a comforting feeling. It means having someone who consistently cheers you up on a bad day, surprises you with coffee in the morning, or asks about your work drama. Being in a relationship means you’re with someone who actually wants the best for you.
2. Having someone to love you while you grow is pretty great too. A lot of people think being in a relationship during their twenties is a waste of time. They think it stops you from growing and finding out who you’re. It doesn’t… unless you’re with the wrong person. The right person is going to grow with you, not against you. This whole idea that serious relationships keep you from living your best life is ridiculous and untrue.
3. You’re able to have consistent sex. Listen, there’s nothing wrong with having casual hookups—no judgment here!—but having sex in a relationship means you’re doing the deed consistently and romantically. Connections are being built and your mental, emotional, and physical health all reap the rewards. Sex is great for you. It can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and give you something to look forward to every night (or week, depending on your sex life).
4. You always have someone to hang out with. Your partner naturally becomes your best friend. It just happens. They’re the people you see the new scary movie or go to the Instagram-worthy restaurant with. I’m not saying being single means you’re sitting at home alone all the time, but being in a relationship makes it a little bit easier to find someone to do things with. You don’t have to stare aimlessly at your phone trying to figure out who to reach out to for dinner Friday night.
5. And you have someone to share memories with. Living and experiencing real-life events with someone else is the best way to make memories. There’s nothing wrong with making memories yourself, but being able to look back and share a laugh over a past memory with someone else is fun—there’s no denying that. How many times have you laughed hysterically with high school friends about something that happened when you were 14?
6. You can challenge and be challenged. No one wants to date someone who’s exactly like them. Even if you share some similarities, you’re going to hold some differing views, hobbies, etc. It’s how you respond to those differences that matters. Dating means challenging someone to be their best and being challenged the same way. It means having to think about opposing beliefs and be able to communicate your thoughts in a respectful way.
7. Your happiness grows. I’m not saying people who’re single are unhappy, but there’s no denying the facts: being in a good relationship makes you a happy person. It makes you think positively about the future and the present. You have dates to look forward to, dinners to plan, etc. You can roll your eyes all you want, but if you’ve been in a good relationship, you know it’s true.
8. You always have a date. You know those family gatherings you hate because people always ask a million and one questions about your relationship status? Well, being in a relationship means you have someone to attend those annoying family gatherings with. You don’t have to go stag or find a new date every time you have a wedding or dinner party. This might seem small, but it’s the little things that make having a partner so beneficial.
9. Your self-esteem will grow. This is completely dependent on if you’re in a good relationship or not, but if you’re dating someone who loves and respects you, your self-esteem will grow. Your partner will accept all of your flaws and embrace your positive characteristics, which means you’ll feel confident about who you are because clearly, it’s enough. You’re enough.
10. You have a hand to hold. Literally and physically, being in a relationship means you have someone you can walk through life with, hands clutched together tightly. Your partner has your back and you have theirs. When things go wrong and it feels like fate is working against you, it’s comforting to know you have someone to turn to, to help pick you up and push you forward to where you want to go.
11. You always have a cuddle buddy. Cuddling is good for the soul. It eases stress, relieves pain, helps you sleep, and makes you feel connected to the person you’re cuddling with. People say sex makes you catch feelings, but I think cuddling does the same exact thing. When someone has their arms around you, you feel safe and loved. That’s a feeling only a partner can bring.