Lately, I have been finding myself continuously thinking of a small poem by Rupi Kaur as if it is my own personal mantra. This poem simply reads, "loneliness is a sign you are in desperate need of yourself." I have found this increasingly true in the passing months, and I believe it is something everyone should remind themselves of from time to time. This poem, as well as my own writing, has motivated me to once again embrace the single life and learn to love it with all of my heart. In January, I wrote an article entitled "Why It's Okay to Be Single." This article expressed how empowering it can be to allow ourselves to be complete without another individual for an extended period of time. My article also aimed to speak out against the common notion that single is synonymous for unhappy. Since writing this article, I have experienced a handful of events that have caused me to turn to my own writing for comfort in the fact that at some points in our lives, single really is okay, and in fact, it can be better than any relationship.
As a college student, I have found there is no better time than right now to discover who you are as an individual. Meanwhile, on a smaller scale, there are a lot of other perks to not being in a relationship as well. So, here are 5 more reasons why it is okay, and even a good thing, to be single.
1. Because Being Single Right Now Means the Best for You Has Yet to Come
Whenever we experience the end of a relationship and the heartbreak that comes with it, it can be hard to believe that anyone else can come along to triumph over what we felt for the previous individual. But even being head over heels for someone does not mean they are your soulmate. Frankly, if someone leaves you, they are probably not "the one." Embrace this. This merely means that there is someone who will go above and beyond your expectations is out there. They will make you happier than anyone else previously did, and in a healthier, more mature way. They will treat you as you deserve, and you will never have to worry that they will abandon you. Now you get to have fun while you wait for them to enter your life. You get to spend all of your free time with your friends or focusing on what you love, and the rest will be easy for a change. How exciting is that?
2. You Can Travel Freely
Most people prefer to travel with others, but being single gives you the opportunity to go where you want when you want. If you want to take a weekend trip to visit your parents or splurge on a wild and tropical spring break with your friends, no one can argue with that. You are free to take both large and small trips without worrying about upsetting someone. The world is yours to explore, and no one else gets any say so in where you go.
3. You Won't Feel Pressure to Shave Your Legs for Anyone Else
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it's also super exciting for us women. Even the most independent girl likes to shave her legs for date nights, but now those will occur less frequently. Without a guy in your life, you won't feel as if you have to shave your legs for anything. This is a great feeling, not to mention it saves a lot of time in the shower. Sorry, guys, but you'll never quite understand this one.
4. Being with Someone Who is Wrong for You is More Draining than Being Alone
Sure, sometimes it really sucks to not have someone to spend Saturday nights in with or take to your family dinner. That being said, it sucks a lot more to constantly feel insecure or be in arguments with your significant other. If you're with the wrong person, chances are they will eventually make you question your self-worth. It is much less harmful to your psyche to spend time learning to love yourself than it is to fight for someone who you are better off letting go of.
5. You Can Build New Friendships
While a significant other should never tell the other individual who they can and cannot be friends with, this does occur in some relationships. Without anyone around to be jealous, you are now able to branch out and form new friendships with the opposite sex freely. If you want to remain friends with an ex, this is now an option no one can disagree with. This is a great opportunity to expand connections, gain insight on new perspectives, and get the chance to experience new things.
