Why is it that our generation is so hung up on the idea of the perfect relationship? Why is our generation so obsessed with relationships in general? Why are couples idolized? Why can't all the single people out there get some appreciation? We never hear "I can't wait to be single." It's always, "I can't wait to get a boyfriend/girlfriend" or even worse - "I can't wait to settle down and get married." I can recall every relationship I've ever been in, I thought "I can't wait to be single" almost every day of that relationship. And no relationship lasted longer than ten months because it wasn't for me. I am just happy with my own company.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need anybody to feel happy or whole. Do not be depressed that you are single, embrace that. Being single is a gift. There are some couples in the world who are legitimately unhappy with each other, but they don't want to hurt their significant other's feelings by ending the relationship. And that is so crazy to me. Now, for those who have found the one they want to be with for months, years, and for life - good for you. I'm happy for you, but your relationships freak me out. Let me give you the three reasons I love being single, and you should, too.
1. You are your own boss.
I have several friends that are in relationships, and I'm probably the only one in my friend group that is genuinely happy being single. You can watch any of your friends that are in a relationship/married and they can never do their own thing. They always have to check with their significant other to make sure whatever they're doing is okay. That has never sat right with me. It just wouldn't make me feel free, as being single makes me feel. I can't be the only person in the world that's ever felt this way, but try inviting your friend out to the bar or out for a girl's night out while they're in a relationship. Update: it is impossible.
2. You don't get hurt.
Common fear people in relationships share is the fear that one will cheat on the other. You don't have to worry about cheating when you're single. Any time a friend comes to me wanting some kind of relationship advice, I will almost always advise them to end that relationship. I will welcome you to the Golden Years with open arms. I am always the friend that the boyfriend of the group hates deep down inside, because he knows subconsciously that I am trying to psychologically persuade his girlfriend to leave him.
3. Self love is important.
I don't get people who "can't be single" or "can't be alone." I hear it all the time. Excuses will almost always be something along the lines of "I need someone to make me happy." But why do you need someone to make you happy? Why can't you make yourself happy? Why is it so hard to love ourselves in today's society? I feel as though we cannot legally start a relationship until we learn to love ourselves first, because loving ourselves is so important. How can we love another human being before we have even comprehended how to love ourselves?
