I realized just how single I was when I recently RSVPed for a friend’s wedding. “How many guests in your party ____?” the question read. The RSVP was online, and when I came to it, the realization took me by so much shock that I closed my laptop without completing the RSVP.

I began dating in high school when I was 15. I had the same boyfriend from my freshman year to the middle of senior year. The breakup was a surprise to me, but I had support from my family and friends, and I survived. Later, an eight-month relationship formed out of my choice for a prom date. We lasted until the middle of my first semester in college, and I’ve been single since.

I’ve gone on dates with several guys throughout my college years, to no avail, and I’ve steadily watched those guys (through Instagram and Facebook) find their perfect women, pop the question and begin their “happily ever after” without me. I’m happy for these men. Most of them, at least.

I see the photos of cute couples plastered all over social media. I hear of many couples that I know who are my age and younger getting engaged. I have to search for guys to help me move furniture and show me how to put air in my tire (thank you, Cody and Brandon). I rely on my friend’s boyfriend to help me with any car trouble I might have. I don’t have someone who tells me I’m beautiful every day. I don’t often have an excuse to get dressed up and wear my favorite heels for date night. Yes, I’ve tasted the bitterness of my singleness.

But I am content.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of complaints stem from being single. But I also remember when I was in a relationship and had to consult my boyfriend on “our” plans for that evening, for that week, for next month, etc. which made me feel suffocated, even if that weren’t the case.

I remember the conflict I’d face when given the choice between blowing off my friends to hang with my boyfriend or blowing off my boyfriend to hang with my friends. I remember my friendships deteriorating as the relationship with my boyfriend grew stronger.

Truth be told, there are pros and cons to both the single life and the coupled life. However, we complain less if we’re in a relationship because we don’t want to cause unnecessary drama or have anyone believe we are unhappy with our person. On the other hand, singles can complain all they want because who are they hurting?

Singles have given into the lie that being single is a bad thing. We complain about it to no end, drool over “perfect” couples and secretly wish we could steal that person’s boyfriend/girlfriend. For females, our family members remind us that our biological time clock is ticking; males are asked when they’ll finally find a woman to take care of them. Our coworkers are constantly trying to hook us up with their sister’s boyfriend’s cousin. Being single can sometimes be brutal.

But I am content.

I’m content knowing I can leave my house just to drive without explaining to someone where I’m going and why. I’m content knowing I can live out my dreams of seeing the pyramids of Egypt or backpacking across Europe at any time I choose without having to plan around the schedule of my significant other.

I’m content knowing that I can choose to lounge around all day or finish yard work, read a book, go for hike and adopt a puppy all before noon, without worrying about how my decisions might affect the feelings of another.

I enjoy not contributing to displays of affection in public. I enjoy having Harry Potter marathons with my friends. I enjoy not having to answer the question “Wyd?” every two hours.

To me, the word “single” is synonymous to “freedom.” Please don’t get me wrong. There is something so special about finding someone you want to spend every moment with; however, it’s pretty awesome not having to consult someone else about where you should have lunch.

I get it. Couples look like their lives are better because they have someone to say goodnight to, someone to vent to about work, and they always know who will ride with them on the Ferris wheel at the county fair.

But ultimately, singles have more freedom and don’t have to subject to awkward conversations with the family of a significant other – that’s always nice, right?

Singles, when you find yourself upset or disappointed in your circumstances, take a moment to realize how good you have it. If you’re a new single, be patient. I understand it takes some adjustments and getting used to. But it’s not the end of the world. Take this time to focus on yourself, to grow yourself.

Being single isn’t a time for you to wallow in your loneliness. Take advantage of it. These are precious moments that you likely will not have forever.

Whenever you feel upset about your singleness, remember there is someone in a relationship who misses being where you are.

It took an RSVP to a wedding for me to feel the complete loneliness of being single – which didn’t kill me. Sure, I’ll be flying solo at my friend’s wedding. Yeah, I might dance alone. But that’s okay. All we can do in any situation we find ourselves in is to make the best of it.

Being single isn’t just okay. It’s great!