Being in a relationship is great, but it’s not all cake and ice cream. Some people aren’t ready for the commitment, and others are perfectly happy with their independent lifestyle.
Forget what society says – flying solo can be pretty awesome. If you need convincing, here are twenty reasons why:
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1. More adventure
Studies have shown that single people go on more travel adventures than those who are married.
Think of all the cool things you want to do: Explore the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, bungee jump in New Zealand, bicycle through the streets of Amsterdam. It’s all there waiting, no partner needed.
In fact, you’ll probably be making tons of new friends along the way. It sure beats driving cross country to meet the in-laws.
2. You’ll actually have money
No expensive dinner dates, no lavish gifts, and if things get serious, no wedding rings, houses and furniture to make your bank balance weep – you’ll be amazed at how much money you save when there’s no one to impress.
Best of all, you can spend that pile of cash on that new car or Prada handbag you’ve been eyeing for months, and no one’s going to judge you or give you The Look.
3. Pursue your passions
Go ahead, spend 5 hours every day learning how to brew your own beer. Want to pick up the accordion? The only person complaining about the noise will be your neighbors.
When you’re single, you’ll have the time to do what you want, and be who you want. Being single means you’ll have the freedom to discover your hidden talents and passions, and develop them.
You’ll grow into a more well-rounded individual, not to mention a lot more interesting.
4. Change the world
More and more people today are choosing to stay single – 32 million Americans now live alone, with similar trends in the cities of Europe and Japan.
Single people are changing world, and their impact on society is tangible – definitions of family are evolving, houses and apartments are being built differently, and even companies are marketing their products differently.
You have to admit, that’s pretty cool.
5. Alone time
You’re friendly, outgoing, and love to have fun. But you also value your time at home by yourself to replenish, reflect and restore.
Single people have more solitude, and that alone time to think and refresh can give you the energy and focus you need when you’re back out in the world.
6. Sweet, sweet sleep
Most of us hardly get enough of it as it is. The average person is in a constant state of sleep deprivation, and sharing a bed with someone else just makes it worse.
Snoring, mystery limbs flying into your face in the dead of the night, sleep talking, cover grabs, different sleep schedules – the list goes on and on. And each one takes away minutes of precious sleep.
When you’re single, you won’t have to deal with any of that. It’s just you, your bed, and sweet slumber.
7. You’ll know yourself better
Living independently grows you as a person, and you become more attuned to what you want – and what you don’t want in life.
That maturity and self-knowledge makes you more likely to succeed in a long term relationship, should you choose to be in one.
8. You’re more likely to get hired
Getting a job today is tough. But if you just got laid off or are on the market looking for new opportunities, being single can give you the upper hand.
A recent report from the University of Chicago found that single men and women are more likely to get work than married people.
9. You can be spontaneous
It’s hard to do things on a whim when there’s someone waiting with a wet blanket. They’re too tired, not interested, or not ready. Single people have no such worries.
Sudden craving for waffles at 3am? Off to Denny’s! Woke up to a sudden urge to play Call of Duty all day? BOOYA! Pull out the Do Not Disturb sign and have at it. Now that’s living.
10. Things stay put
When you’re living by yourself, things tend to stay where they are – the toilet seat stays in whatever position it’s supposed to, your iPhone charger is exactly where you left it yesterday, and the slice of leftover pizza from last week is still hanging off the TV.
You’ll save countless hours of poking around trying to find your stuff that could be used to watch fail compilations on YouTube instead.
11. Porn, porn porn
Porn can be a sensitive issue in a relationship. She may have been bought up to think that smut is the work of Satan, or he may think that you’re weird for enjoying the sight of two guys jerking each other off.
Things tend to get messy here, and not the good kind.
Single people on the other hand won’t find themselves in these sticky situations. There’s no need to delete your browser history or bury your stash 10 subdirectories deep, and no one to complain about your taste for transexual midget bondage porn.
12. You’re more social
Let’s face it – modern life is hectic, and people in relationships hardly have time to spend with their partners, let alone friends and family. Sacrifices need to be made, and often their social life takes a back seat.
Compared to married people, singles are much more likely to spend time with friends, family and neighbors, volunteer, and participate in other social activities. And those strong social ties are one of the key factors to a long life.
In other words, being single may just help you live longer.
13. No more pretending
No more having to go “OOH he’s shoooo kyuuute!” when your girlfriend brings over her spoiled cat who hates you and pisses on your pillow.
No more pretending to like hanging out with his creepy drinking buddies, especially Frank the ass-slapper.
You can stop all that pretending now. Thank Jesus, Buddha and the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Ramen.
14. You get to choose all of your own activities
Being single means you won’t have to feel obligated to go to lunch with her Aunt Morgana, or on that missionary trip to India with his family when the only thing missionary you’ve ever done in your life is in the bedroom.
Hear that? That’s the sound of freedom.
15. The only drama in your life is on TV
“Did she just call me irresponsible because I forgot to get the bananas on the way home?”
“He never acknowledges my feelings!”
Those shouting episodes can get real old. Relationships can be an exhausting emotional roller coaster that never ends, but not when it’s just you and reruns of Sex and the City.
16. You can go wherever success takes you
Got your dream job offer today on the other side of the world? When is the next flight out? When you’re unattached, life-changing career decisions like this are no brainers.
Free from the responsibilities can challenges of having a family, single people are more driven and likely to achieve great things in their career.
But when you’re in a relationship, you’re no longer operating as an individual – there’s the other person’s dreams and desires to consider with every major decision. Sacrifices have to be made, and some of them could come back to haunt you.
17. Sexual variety
Single people may have less sex on average than married couples, but they have more sexual partners. And studies have shown that people with multiple sex partners are less likely to feel depressed.
When you’re by yourself, the cute bartender, the hot chick on the dance floor – they’re all fair game. How about both? There’s no one to worry about, so you’re free to explore every facet of your sexuality.
18. Less stress
Confronting a roommate who never does his dishes is one thing, but doing that with someone you’re in a relationship with is quite another.
When you’re so familiar with someone, the arguments can reach another level. And they hurt a lot more. Things can get so stressful in the house that they actually damage your physical health, not to mention emotional.
Single people? They just pull out the popcorn and enjoy the show.
19. You’re more likely to stay in shape
There are probably many good reasons for it, but the fact is, most married people tend to neglect their physical appearance. The’ve sunk into the comfort zone, and don’t feel the need to impress each other anymore.
Single people, however, have more motivation to stay fit and look good for their careers and bustling social life.
20. Because you can!
We’re living in a brave new world – a world of Lady Gaga, female empowerment and cronuts. Gay marriage is finally becoming more accepted, and marijuana is slowly being legalized.
More and more people are challenging the status quo and enjoying the freedom to shape their own lives. You don’t have to marry and settle down just because society tells you to. If being single is your thing, live it, and love it!
