Growing up in today’s society makes me feel like I’m doing it “all wrong.” No I do not have a significant other, I’ve been single since Ebola was a thing, there are like -5 guys in my life, and no I’m not putting major effort into finding one. Why you may ask? Because I truly enjoy being single. I value my independence, I like not having to talk to someone 24/7, and I want to keep my ties to a minimum because who knows where the wind will take me. I want to focus on me. I want to discover who I really am, what I want in life, and what I want in a lifelong significant other. Am I selfish? Nah but if someone wants to perceive it that way be my guest. On the other hand, if you want to see it from my perspective I find it normal. Putting yourself first every now and then is important, and being single in your 20s is fine. Here is a list of the top five perks to being single in your 20’s:
1. Getting free drinks
To me, this is like the best of the best because we all know something tastes much better when it's free. Being able to get free drinks and not feel guilty about it because you have a significant other is a beautiful thing. Knowing you don’t owe a guy anything for buying you a drink is an empowering feeling. It’s not using someone because if they offer to buy a round it was their idea in the first place. Also dates = free food as well!
2. Utilizing your independence
Something so simple to attain, but so important to learn and utilize. My independence to me is like water; I can’t live without it. I love being able to get in my car and drive to target at nine at night, I love being able to put my phone down because I don’t have an expectation to reply to someone right away, and I love not depending on someone. I’m not on a “high horse” because I’m not afraid to ask for help when I need it. Growing independent makes you a better person in general because so many other characteristics fall under independence like responsible, mature, and many more.
3. Keeping ties to a minimum
When you’re single it’s easier to keep your ties to a minimum. Keeping your ties to a minimum is both a good and bad thing. It’s good because you can “go with the flow” of life without having to consider how it would affect a significant other, and you avoid a lot of drama. But on the other hand it can be problematic when you feel like you have no one. When you keep your ties to a minimum if opportunity comes knocking on your door you’re more inclined to answer, and who knows where it will take you!
4. Spending your money on yourself
That sounds so selfish and I don’t even care. Chances are if you live at home you don’t have bills coming in your name yet, no one else depends on you as a care taker, and if you work hard for your money, you deserve to splurge. If you want to buy some good, quality make up, or spend a certain amount of money to get a free gift, do it! Giving is a great feeling and it’s better to give than to receive but sometimes it’s nice to get to treat yourself, something so many don’t usually do.
5. You get to find yourself
When you’re single you get to really spend quality time alone. Many view this as a bad thing, and don’t like to do that, but in reality it is important to do. It’s important to establish your values, beliefs, personal opinions and your likes and dislikes without being swayed by another’s. I’m not saying you can’t find yourself if you have a significant other, but I would imagine it’s harder to. Figuring out who you are is essential.
