Cover image via Andi's Instagram
Yes, there are worse things than being alone
Your single years can be some of the most productive and liberating times of your life. *"Ang saya kaya maging single!"*
But the way some people reluctantly wear their single status, you'd swear it was something to be escaped and avoided at all costs.
You might have heard stories from friends who obsessively crawl bars and clubs looking for someone – anyone – who can provide the security and comfort of a familiar relationship. And then everything will be all right. Right?! BUT reality, it's not.
It's unfair that so many people view 'having relationships' as the best part of life. Being single allows you to experience so much — that is often simply not possible when subjected to the financial and emotional pressures of supporting and maintaining a relationship.
Far from being a temporary state that merely fills the inconvenient bit in between relationships, **this time should be used to grow and evolve beyond the realms of those consumed and caged by societal expectations.**
Here's why being single can be the most magical, wonderful time of your life:
1. You can learn MORE from yourself
They say your significant other brings out the best in you. That's only if you're in a healthy relationship, which most people currently dating aren't.
You can still work on building self-confidence, self-esteem, and everything in between. Personal growth doesn't suddenly halt when your Facebook relationship status is set to single.
2. If your relationship is TOXIC, it's better to be SINGLE
Rush into one and you're bound to be desperate. You'll fall for the first girl/ first boy that displays any interest in you and you'll stay with him or her because you'll tell yourself it's better than being single.
Is this you? Do you want to be in a soul-sucking relationship just to avoid being single? Relationships aren't the end-all, be all of human existence. Don't be a member of #CampSawi.
3. Learning to be content with yourself will help you find a better and 'higher quality partner'
After being able to enjoy being on your own, having someone around, like a future relationship, would be a lot further than physical appearance. Being able to live an adventure of your own, means you can add a partner to the mix, and be a 'more secured person' emotionally.
This makes you more relaxed and confident when meeting other people because you have all your shit together.
4. You'd gain knowledge from being single
Being single is a journey of self-discovery that requires you to explore different cultures, beliefs and ways of life. It's about acquiring knowledge and gaining wisdom. When you are accountable only to yourself, you have a unique opportunity to go wherever your heart takes you.
5. You will learn making your own rules
When you're in a relationship, you tend to put someone else's needs before yours. You no longer always come first. But being single means you can be selfish, for all the right reasons. Have an urge to travel? Take flight. Want breakfast in bed, a long leisurely morning walk, followed by an afternoon swim and dinner at midnight? Do that.
6. It's about thinking more about your health and fitness
Not only is an unhappy relationship the cause of many mental health issues; it is often to blame for an expanding waistline. Whether it be comfort eating your way to an all too fleeting sugar high, or eating one or too many convenience meals in front of the TV, a familiar, safe and comfortable relationship rarely stirs the physical beast within. Work it!
7. Lastly, being single will give you more time to LOVE yourself
People always say that you have to love yourself first before you can love anyone else. **Well, maybe not.** You can certainly love someone even if you're going through the darkest of times. **But you simply cannot give the pure unadulterated love you're capable of if you're shackled by low self-esteem and regret.**
Would these lives be better and more enriched if shared with a partner? That depends. Sometimes, yes – but not all the time. If you're not yet feeling content with your life choices, and don't know where you're heading… maybe it's time to put the search for your perfect soul-mate on hold for now…
