How to Enjoy Being Single

When it comes to being single, it may seem as though everyone around you is obsessed with your lack of a partner and children, and that the world is obsessed with being in love. Even though you want to scream or order them to leave, you know you need to maintain calm so that you don’t become that person.

But in all seriousness, it can be very annoying when others feel it’s their responsibility to move you from the “single” box into the “taken” box. And it can be even more difficult if you really want to meet someone but haven’t yet struck up a connection with the right one.

Even though it might seem as though everything is coming to an end, being single does not spell the end of the world. Right now is a good time to take care of yourself, put things in perspective, and decide what you want from a relationship if that is what you truly want.

Is being single normal?

You might start to think there’s something wrong with you if you’re asked about being alone all the time. A new self-help relationship book or reality show seems to debut every other day, which is also not helpful. Posey asserts that being single is not unusual, despite what you may observe or hear.

The idea that being single is abnormal is untrue. In this nation, 45.96% of men have never been married, according to Statista. 40.87% of women fall under this category. Being single is therefore quite common. But being single carries a lot of stigmas, much of which appears to be societal. Some people may associate being single negatively due to television shows, social media, and even the stories we read as kids.

Through TV shows with plotlines focused on relationships, almost every media outlet gives us advice on how to attract partners. Facebook and Instagram posts frequently highlight “perfect outings” with “perfect partners.” The people who matter most in our lives frequently place a strong emphasis on our romantic status and how it relates to our happiness.

We also search for our Prince (or Princess) Charming in the fairytales we read as children to live happily ever after. Again, much of it is societal pressure. But who’s to say it’s wrong if you’re happy and at ease with being single?

How to feel more at ease being single

Jumping into a relationship won’t improve your situation if you’re not happy with your current circumstances or with how you feel about yourself. We can become more prepared for a relationship or more content with being single by building our self-esteem. Both results are advantageous.

Reflect on the reasons you’re single and ask yourself the following questions to help you gain perspective and determine what you want:

• Are you happier now that you’re single?
• Are there external pressures that make you feel inadequate even if you are generally happy?
• What do you want from a relationship if you don’t like being single? Where are you trying to locate this individual? Are you actively looking for a relationship or are you just waiting for it to happen?
• What led to the failure of any failed relationships you may have had? Are there any aspects of yourself that you would like to improve?

Once you’ve answered the questions above, here are some actions to take.

Make a list of your accomplishments and strengths. Since it’s not always simple to see what other people see in us, ask a friend to help you make a list if you can’t identify them.

Take good care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and eat a balanced diet.

Look for a new hobby. Learn a new language, develop your cooking skills, or take on a challenge you’ve always wanted to.

Remember that feeling connected doesn’t require being in a relationship. volunteer work or pet fostering (even if it is virtually).

Make use of your family and friends to help you feel connected. Keep in touch with them and get in touch with them when necessary. You can stay in touch without a good reason or a significant life event.

Set realistic expectations. The majority of people’s happy Instagram posts might not accurately reflect how their relationships are on a daily basis. Remember that even people who are happily married or in a partnership can have serious disagreements, health issues, or financial difficulties.

Many people get preoccupied with the idea of not receiving flowers, dinners, candies, jewelry, spa trips, or other spontaneous or celebratory romantic gifts. You can regularly reward yourself with those things or experiences.

Exploring our passions or doing the things we enjoy is a very constructive activity. To live your life, you don’t have to be in a relationship. Explore your interests by taking up a new hobby like building furniture or running a marathon. List the things you want to try, then go try them. You can either be single and do things you enjoy, or you can stay in and whine about it.

Dating yourself is based on the idea that it is simpler to be open to a relationship when we are content.

If you’re single and willing to date

Prepared to take a chance? Instead of jumping into something with the first person who gives you the time of day, remember to ease into it and trust in God’s timing. Put yourself in situations where you can meet “the one” after considering the type of person you’d like to be with.

Rushing could make you miss all of the warning signs right away. Give yourself time to make sure you are familiar with the person and can recognize warning signs. We frequently rush into relationships to avoid being alone and don’t take the time to look for warning signs.

Examples of warning signs

When dating, keep an eye out for the following:

• It should be a red flag that the relationship might not work if you find yourself trying to change the other person or if your partner is trying to change you.
• Trust your instinct and leave if you feel uneasy, manipulated, or used.
• It’s a red flag if you feel unable to discuss your emotions and problems openly. A healthy relationship requires open communication.
• It is a problem if someone starts out expecting gifts or financial assistance.
• Move on if personal information doesn’t seem to add up or if it appears that the person is lying or fabricating information.
• Additionally, don’t be afraid to inquire about their relationship preferences from potential partners. Some people only want a short-term relationship, while others may want something more serious. If you don’t agree after talking this through, you’ll be able to tell that it’s not a good fit.

Avoid pushing things

Don’t go shopping for a date when it comes to relationships. Even though it might be tempting to piece together something from a strange assortment, it’s okay if you don’t click with the first person. Increasing your social circle. Seriously. Just keep your finger flexible while swiping.

Don’t keep messaging someone you’re talking to in an attempt to get their attention if they ghost you while you’re talking to them. Pass on. Take a step back and re-evaluate the qualities you’re looking for in a partner if you find yourself making exceptions while talking to someone even though you know they’re not the right person for you.

Cut them loose if things aren’t working out. The last thing you want to do is try to force a relationship with someone who is constantly sending you red flags just because you don’t want to be alone. At the end of the day, keep in mind that you are not dependent on anyone else for your happiness. Contact our offices and speak to a counselor concerning any emotional or mental health issues.