But being single can be a blessing, if you let it.
The benefits of being single:
Strengthening your relationship to yourself.
It’s a great time tolearn how to love yourself.
Figuring out what you truly want.
“Being single makes room for a person to learn more about themselves,” Spinelli explains.
“There is more clarity around who you are and leaning into enjoying your own company.”
Being single gives you the space to really know your desires.
Learning how to hold yourself accountable.
Cultivating and deepening nonromantic relationships.
While romantic relationships are often prioritized,strong friendshipsare incredibly important.
Having more time for yourself.
You get to call all the shots.
“Want to book a spontaneous trip overseas for a few weeks?
No problem,” Bruneau notes.
“Feel like moving to a new city?
Decide you don’t want to see any family over the holidays?
It’s your world!”
It’s a catalyst for growth.
Bruneau adds, “Being single is an opportunity to become more comfortable with life’s inevitable discomfort.
And if all your friends are in relationships?
This, of course, is not true.”
Understanding that you might’t compare two people’s journeys is key here.
And as Bruneau notes, it never hurts to find some more single friends.
How to be happy single.
“Date” yourself.
(and that you would give to them).
Buy yourself flowers, take yourself out, and focus on you.
“Take the time to figure out what you really want in life,” Spinelli says.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to ‘date’ and get to know yourself.”
(Here are someways to practice self-love, for inspo.)
Join groups, take classes, or start a side hustle.
“It’s an opportunity to explore new hobbies and things that bring you joy,” Spinelli adds.
Make and spend time with single friends.
Focus on your own self-care.
Whatever self-care looks like to you, from working out to getting out into nature, really prioritize it.
Learn about yourself.
“Practice self-inquiry and self-compassion,” Bruneau says.
Be spontaneous.
Being single does come with a great amount of freedom.
As such, “enjoy being more spontaneous with your activities and travel,” Spinelli says.
Set goals and focus on your growth.
Reflect on how far you’ve come every time you reach a new goal.
“There is a strength that is cultivated when one is alone,” Spinelli adds.
Keep perspective.
When the time is right, we’ll come together to continue our journeys.
Remember you won’t be single forever if you don’t want to be.
If you want to get into a relationship someday, then it’s likely going to come around eventually.
“Statistically speaking, you’re likely to get into a relationship at some point,” Bruneau says.
“And while relationships can be wonderful, we don’t talk often enough about the sacrifices they involve.
So enjoy the freedom of piloting your life solo while it lasts!”
The bottom line.
Whether single or not, we all deserve our own self-love and partnership.
