Recently I got out of a long-term, long-distance relationship. It hurt and I was broken, but not all relationships end badly, at least, mine didn’t. It could have been really bad, but, luckily, both of us wanted to remain best friends. So, even though I lost someone who was my entire world, I kept my best friend. Over the course of the last couple of weeks, I learned that there are so many benefits to being single as a college freshman.
1. Being independent.
There is something about having someone there 24/7 to rely on. It’s a great thing and having that unconditional love and support is great, don’t get me wrong. However, as a college freshman, you need to start making choices for yourself and doing things for you, not other people. When you have a problem you need to learn how to solve it on your own.
Sometimes people ask others for advice and do what others think is best, instead of what’s best for them. Take this time to make your own choices. Adulting isn’t fun, but it’s something you need to learn regardless. Take the time to do it while your single, it will make all the difference, I promise.
2. Spending time with your friends.
The one good thing about breakups is that it shows you who your true friends are. Since I have gotten out of a relationship, I have cut so many toxic people out of my life. Take the time to learn how to be happy and take the time to hang out with your friends more. Sleepovers, movie nights, concerts, or bowling. You have so many options and all of the time in the world. Your life didn’t just end, it’s beginning.
3. School… ugh.
This one might not be the option that involves the most fun, however, as my parents unfortunately always said… school comes first. Sometimes having that distraction of a boy around makes your grades slip. It’s not like you do it on purpose, but all those Skype study dates end up turning into how some kid farted in the middle of class. Funny stories and things you're excited about. Create a schedule of times you can study and do homework - and stick to it. The rest of the time you can donate to Netflix and your girls.
4. Learning who you are.
Yes, you can do this one with a boy around, but sometimes the idea of you changing could not only make him mad, but ruin a relationship. College is a time to explore who you are and who you want to be and although you could try to do this with someone else, why would you want to? Go be crazy, study abroad, do some serious traveling and enjoy not having to worry about if he will be there when you get back. Learn how to love yourself, and go better yourself. Who will it hurt?
5. Less drama
Yes, maybe my relationship ended really well, and we are great friends and still talk every day, but most relationships end really badly. Why go deal with all that drama when you can just do you and not care what anyone thinks? No more stress about useless arguments, just focus on that economics test Tuesday.
