Ah, being single. Some people love it; most despise it. And if someone hates it, you hear it all the time: "Ugh, literally I'm going to be forever alone." It's a constant point of discussion and the bane of most people's existence. I have no idea where this annoying hatred and/or fear of being alone came from, but as someone who's both been in a relationship and single for equally long periods of time, I can say with the utmost confidence that the idea of being "forever alone" is far from a bad thing.

Now, I'm in no way saying relationships suck and you should be single forever; I'm not jaded or naive. However, I just think there are advantages and positive things to being single.

First, you have time to discover yourself. Too often when you're young and in a relationship, you neglect or lose yourself in order to devote all attentions to your partner. In a part of your life where self-growth is so important, this can really set you back. Being single means you can devote all your attention and time to your growth as a person, discovering who you are.

Another reason being "forever alone" isn't so bad is that there's less, or lack thereof, of a certain type of stress or worry that comes with being in a relationship. There's no constant worry if your partner is mad at you for something. You don't have to always be on edge when you go out, shunning any obvious flirtatious contact or being afraid to even dance with someone in a somewhat provocative way. You don't have to worry if he/she is on the same page as you in your relationship. There's so many more reasons I can name. Now, being single has PLENTY of its own stressors, no doubt, but sometimes the relationship stressors can take their own toll.

Final reasons single life is great are that you're more fit, spend less money and have a better social life. I know those sound vain and maybe even untrue for some, but they are actually all very accurate. In a study done in the United Kingdom, 62 percent of people said they gained weight in a committed relationship. In a survey by the American Institute of CPAs, finances were shown to be the biggest cause of stress or fights in relationships. And finally, in a Journal of Marriage and Family study, it was discovered that both men and women spend less time with friends and family when married/in a committed relationship than when they were single. So, yes, you are more fit, richer and more social. That's the science of statistics, people.

Well, there you have it. Being "forever alone" actually isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be. And, despite your constant whining, you most likely won't be "forever alone." Eventually you will find someone who changes the game for you. When that happens, you'll appreciate it more and be a better partner to that person when you've had time alone.

So, please, I'm begging you, stop complaining about being single. We're all over hearing it.