Celebrating being single

Being single in a society where it may seem everyone around you is partnered can sometimes be frustrating when the first question on their lips seems to be, ‘Have you met anyone yet?’ 

While being single can have its own challenges, it’s not something to pity and being in a relationship isn’t everyone’s idea of the pinnacle of happiness. 

Some couples are happy and healthy, and others find themselves in toxic, stifled, coercive, abusive or disengaged partnerships. 

Equally, some individuals long for a partner, while others love their life as a single person.  

Your relationship status is not a measure of success or an indicator of quality of life. 

Although COVID-19 has brought new challenges such as managing increased loneliness, it’s important to remember that people in intimate relationships can also experience loneliness, and that the impacts of the pandemic will not last forever.  

Being single gives you the freedom and power to reflect on the life you want and choose it with deliberate intention. Below, we’ve outlined some of the positives of being single. 

More head space

Intimate relationships take up a lot of space and energy in our heads. Single people can have more time for individual thought and self-focus. 

Self-development and exploration

Grow and really deep-dive into what is fulfilling for you. Take the opportunity to experiment and experience new things, without worrying how a partner feels about it. Explore every aspect of yourself, in your own time. 

Freedom and autonomy

You can arrange your life, time, finances, and home environment based on your priorities. You don’t have to compromise, factor in anyone else’s needs, or ask anyone’s permission.  

Self-confidence

It can be incredibly empowering to do things on your own. Celebrate your own capability! 

Goals and aspirations

Invest in your career, do a course you’re interested in, travel, move cities, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Being single can allow you more flexibility to pivot towards new opportunities that emerge. 

Social relationships

Not being in a partnership can give you more time to prioritise and invest in other relationships that are important to you, such as with family and friends. 

Community engagement

Having time to think about and connect with community groups and projects can be extremely fulfilling. You may also make some lifelong friends and contacts.  

Reflect on what you want in your relationships

If you are looking to have a romantic relationship in the future you are more likely to have a positive and healthy experience if you’ve taken the time to self-reflect, identify your boundaries, needs and communication preferences and to understand what you really want from a partnership. 

Whether you’re currently single by choice, or just waiting to meet the right person, we hope you take this opportunity to nurture and celebrate the most important person in your life – you!