When I was growing up, I knew I would meet my future-husband in college. That's where my parents met, so logic told me that's where I'd find my special someone, too. But here I am, 26 and single. So here's what it is like to be in my mid-twenties, and yet still single.
It's a weird week on social media to not see a friend get engaged, married, pregnant, or have a baby. It's not a bad thing—I thought I would be in that same phase of life, too. I am genuinely happy for friends hitting such great milestones in life. But social media brings an interesting perspective to these things. The excitement of these milestones is reinforced by social media through likes and comments.
This e-card is 100 percent accurate for me. I see people's Facebook/Instagram pictures of their significant others, ultrasound pictures, or baby pictures while my social media is chock full of pictures of my pup.
But like, who doesn't want to look at him? He's the cutest!
For the most part, I am very comfortable in my singleness right now. As a single 20-something, I can take leaps of faith in many aspects of my life. I could take a new job and move across the country, or to an entirely different country, without having to ensure it is the right decision for my partner, too. There is a lot of freedom in that.
Additionally, the only dirty laundry I have to wash is my own. My future husband needs to know that's my least favorite chore, so washing his dirty clothes will be a huge way to show him how much I love him. But really...
There are some downsides to it, though. I recently went to a bridal shower for my cousin's fiancé. Someone jokingly asked who would be next in the family to get married. Those kinds of things are always reminders to me that I am single and it can feel like a big pill to swallow, even though the person asking had no ill-intentions whatsoever. Despite feeling pretty content in being single, there are times when I would love to be in a committed relationship. It can be hard to get a wedding invitation from a friend addressed to me and a guest because I don't have an automatic response to who I should bring.
On another note, dating sucks. It is very hard to meet people - the easiest way to do it is through an online program. I don't enjoy paying for them, but you really do get what you pay for. The free websites are full of very interesting people. The expensive websites are a lot of money - money that could go to a few tanks of gas or food or something more fun.
Overall, being single in this phase of adulthood is an interesting experience. There are certainly pros and cons, but for the most part it is not a bad thing. It has allowed me to grow and learn so much about myself that I may not have learned in a relationship. Whatever the future may hold, I will be ready. Until then, I will enjoy this part of life, too.
