Just Because I'm Single Does Not Mean I'm Unhappy
Start writing a post
Relationships

Just Because I'm Single Does Not Mean I'm Unhappy

Thoughts on the main misconception of a life of solitude.

114
Just Because I'm Single Does Not Mean I'm Unhappy
Katherine Blanner

As someone who has been single for what feels like forever, I have had many times when family and friends reassure me with statements like, "You're gonna find someone some day," and "You just haven't met the right person," etc, along with trying to set me up with random people. While these statements of reassurance and attempts to throttle me towards a relationship may be kind and well-intentioned, they oftentimes are accompanied with the preconceived notion that I, being single, am unhappy, or that I am constantly looking for someone to date. And those things aren't (always) true.

I have recently been watching TV, YouTube, and movies more than usual because I am currently on winter break (and Netflix binges). The interesting reoccurring theme that I have found throughout the entertainment industry, as it pertains to those who are single, is that the single life is treated as an awkward transition period, rather than a conscious decision to remain alone. For example, Buzzfeed Video has been doing a series called "Single AF," where single people attempt to cope with their state of being by doing random things, like signing up for dating apps and recreating wedding photos with themselves. It's fun to be single and try to improve yourself for the sake of finding another person with which to share your stupidity, and Buzzfeed certainly identifies this fact. However, what the Single AF videos do not convey is the simple fact of the matter that being single is not a disease that should be cured. Being single is not something like the flu that you can get vaccinated for and prevent the virus. The single life is more of a choice, rather than an unfortunate virus that finds itself a sad lonely host.

The media's transmogrification of the single life, in my opinion, is not a positive thing. Viewing singleness as a punishment cannot be a positive long-term perspective. While the thing that often causes singleness, breakups, sucks a lot and hurts a lot, that doesn't mean that being single is always a bad thing. Being single does not mean that I'm unhappy. Sure, breaking up is a period that sucks, but being single is amazing. I am able to focus on what I have been working towards my entire life: getting an education. I have put so much time and effort into my school and jobs that I can barely focus on anything else.

Why equate my success with marriage, as society and gender roles have constantly reinforced, but rather equate success with happiness? Perhaps my happiness, at this present moment, does not lie in my worth based upon a relationship, but rather within myself? I know it sounds like a really complex Taylor Swift song, but I think that it is far better to understand that being single is not a plague, but rather a time to focus on what matters to you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57991
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37355
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959022
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192469
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments