With the start of a brand new year, we have a lot to look forward to in 2018. There’s Black Panther, The Incredibles 2, only two more years of the Presidency. But the thing that I’m looking forward to the least is Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is an excuse for gratuitous PDA and unnecessary gift giving. And we don’t even get a day off! (Even though we get a day off in honor of a disgusting, imperialist murderer. *cough* Columbus *cough*) As a poor college student it hurts my wallet. And as a bitter single person it hurts my heart.

As the dreaded holiday approaches it’s important to remember that people in relationships are getting the short end of the stick. We, the single people, are the victors of this situation.

Because no matter how bad people make singleness out to be, it’s nowhere near as bad as being in a relationship. So grab your popcorn and put on some Beyonce, as we go through four reasons that it’s better to be single.

1. You can focus all your attention on bettering yourself as a person.

There’s nothing to distract you from building yourself up. Think of all the energy that you put into a boyfriend/girlfriend/lover (If you’ve never had one, it’s a good amount). Now think of the things you could be doing with that energy. You can start a business, secure your degree, travel the world. You don’t have to stay up late on the phone with any but your girls and after hearing them complain about their relationship for three hours you’ll sleep soundly, knowing that no one can stress you out.

Being in a relationship makes you tired and your significant other is gonna need you to do stuff for them. But if you’re not dating anyone, the only one you have to do thing for is yourself, and your mom if she asks really nicely. Obtain the bag, sis.

2. Relationships are expensive.

From someone that’s done long-distance, travel costs can make my heart race faster than all the neck kisses in the world. You have to pay to get to wherever your person is, then you have to spend money on whatever dates you’re going on. Maybe you have to pay for an Uber to get around the city, or gas to fill up your car as you drive the two of you around. This could just be a me thing, but I really enjoy having money. One of the main ways that I show affection is through giving gifts. I like to know that I know someone well enough to pick out something that they won’t end up returning for store credit. Not just in romantic relationships but across the board. But when it comes to romance I’m even worse.So it's best to just avoid it all together.

3. You can flirt with anyone you want, anytime you want

There are these things called “open relationships”, which I’m not here for and therefore won’t be mentioning. But if you’re not in a regular relationship, you can put the moves on the whole city of Albuquerque and no one can tell you anything. Except maybe the Mayor of Albuquerque. There’s this new thing that the kids are into called sexual freedom*. And it can be yours!

There’s still stigmas behind sexual openness and slut-shaming and all this stupidity. But don’t ever forget that you are an autonomous human being and you can do what you want within the confines of the law.**

4. Relationships are hard.

No matter the person you date, there are going to be challenges.

Some people get overprotective and worry about you too much. Some people have no dreams or ambitions and will end up blocking your blessings. Some people won’t take your relationship seriously, no matter how much you care. Some people will come with years of emotional baggage that you’re completely unequipped to handle but you’ll try to anyway because you love them but you find yourself drowning under the weight of the responsibility and even though you want to be with them you’ll start self-sabotaging because you don’t think you can handle the pressure. All of these non-specific things happen to people that aren’t me all the time.

For all of you in relationships, why are you here?

But seriously, if you’re in a relationship, congratulations. I hope that you prosper together into the future.

If you’re not in a relationship, you know we’re out here winning so don’t be mad.

There’s nothing wrong with dating. It just takes patience, communication and understanding.

And ain’t nobody got time for that.

*Not literal kids. Children are not sexual beings. Leave kids to do kid things. End child marriage.

**Autonomous - acting independently or having the freedom to do so