When Rihanna sang: "No one wants to be left scared and lonely… we all want love," it resonated with many people because it is true, but contrary to popular opinion, being single is not an immediate synonym for "lonely." Many women view being single as a threat to their femininity or a representation of how attractive they are, but this couldn't be further from the truth. With the recent Valentine's Day celebration and the fanfare that most loved-up couples put on social media, it can be easy to think that being single and living alone is the end of the world, but it's not. While it may feel like your "forever person" is taking forever to show up in your life, it is helpful to remember that living a single life, whether temporary or permanent, is not such a bad thing. Here are a few reasons why.
You Have Space To Think
Time is an excellent healer, which is especially true if you have been in bouts of horrible relationships with people who were toxic for you at best. Being single for a while, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, is a great way to take some time to re-discover and re-learn who you are and understand what you need in human relationships as a whole. Even though you have been single for years since your last serious relationship, taking extra time to recoup is necessary. That way, you aren't carrying your past baggage into the future.
It Is An Extra Opportunity To Get Your Health Right
According to a science-backed article published by The Journal of Marriage and Family, single and divorced people tend to get more exercise hours than married people. Those who tend to be highly physically active have been single for a while. While this is not a jab at married people, it does mean that as a single person, science has proven that you have a higher likelihood and opportunity to be healthier, and you can't beat that!
There Is Less Room For Stress
Although single life has its stressors, it is not as stressful as being coupled up. If you are still single, take confidence in the fact that relationships can be complex, draining, and downright stressful. Suppose you are in the single phase of your life. In that case, it's the perfect time to focus on being the best version of yourself so that when you are eventually in a relationship, and those stressors show up, then you can know how to navigate them effectively.
You Get To Impact The World Solo, And On Your Terms.
No matter how people in a relationship try to sugar coat this, the truth is that when you are in a committed, serious partnership or relationship with another human being, an element of your independence is stripped away, no matter how small that element might be. The single season is an opportunity to unabashedly explore the world, be passionate about things you care about with zero inhibitions, and leave your unique mark in a corner of the world, no matter how small or insignificant you think that mark is. The single life is not bad because it affords people the luxury of showing up independently and without fear.
It Allows You To Appreciate Your Unhinged Freedom Fully.
Although we are in the 21st century, women are quietly still expected to be nurturers by society. If you eventually want to get married someday and have kids, pets, or plants (or not), you will still be expected to bring a part of yourself and contribute something to the relationship. Part of this is that things will not just be the same as when you were single, and your freedom will be altered. This is a part of every relationship, good or bad. As a single person, that is not something that you need to worry about yet. This is the time to (lawfully) enjoy your freedom to the fullest without any obstructions.