Depending on how you look at it, single life is great! You live solely for yourself, save way more money, and have that queen mattress all to yourself…but single life also comes with inevitable loneliness and FOMO, which is exhausting, to say the least. Here, we’ve broken down the best (and worst) things about being single.
1. Personal Freedom
Being single means you don’t have to worry about anyone else—you’re in total control over your freedom and time, can dedicate yourself to hobbies, and don’t have to decide between your friends or a partner. If nothing else, it’s a liberating feeling.
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2. Financial Independence
Partners often discuss their finances with each other, but single people can do whatever they want with their money. You don’t need to justify expenses or worry about savings. Best of all, you can spend money on what matters most to you.
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3. Less Stress
Like it or not, relationships come with the odd headache—between little arguments or conflicting schedules, single people are free from certain hurdles. They don’t have to worry about fitting in with a new group of friends or dealing with rude family members, either.
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4. Ability to Travel
Traveling is magical, but doing it whenever you please is just as special. No having to check with someone or agree on where to go, single people can book a flight to Rome whenever they please (finances pending).
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5. You Own Your Schedule
You’d be surprised how much time a partner takes up. Though that’s fine for some, others don’t want to be bogged down by a partner’s activities. It’s way easier for single people to stay home and couch surf!
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6. Self-Discovery
Being single seems lonely on the surface, but it’s actually the perfect time for self-discovery. You learn all about who you are and what you want from life, all without external influence. That knowledge comes in handy when it’s time for a partner, too, ensuring you don’t settle for the wrong person.
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7. No Sacrifices
Hey, we all remember the Friends finale—single people never have to turn down a dream job to appease their partners. You can relocate or take on more responsibilities without the added stress of worrying about someone else.
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8. Personal Expression
Couples tend to make mutual decor choices, which often leads to butting heads about where that pool table will go. Single people, on the other hand, can preserve their personal sanctum in peace.
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9. The Bed is Yours
From picking sides to blanket hogs, sharing the bed makes or breaks a couple. Single people are home-free, though! Let the couples worry about who sleeps where, you spread out diagonally if you want.
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10. Acting in Self-Interest
It seems arbitrary, but acting in our own self-interest is a simple freedom we take for granted. Just about every choice you make can impact a partner, but single people are free to do what they wish without ridicule or hurting someone.
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That said, being single comes with its fair share of drawbacks.
1. Loneliness
Being single can easily cause loneliness, especially during the holidays or big events. While there’s nothing wrong with the single life, sooner or later it’s only natural to feel isolated. To make matters worse, the “chronically single” can feel it ten-fold.
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2. Lack of Emotional Support
No one’s there for you like a partner. Sure, you have friends and family, but a partner often provides the sturdiest shoulder to cry on. It can be rough to miss out on in challenging times.
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3. Societal Pressures
Thankfully, society has slowly pivoted away from its value on romantic relationships—but single people still feel the heat. Societal expectations weigh anyone down, and they’re only made worse by constant questions from relatives or friends.
4. Being a Third Wheel
Being a third wheel sucks. Not only does it feel like you’re in the way, but it can feel like your friends are slipping away sometimes. There’s nothing worse than wanting to spend time with your best friend only for them to invite their partner, too.
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5. No One to Share With
Couples build an entire life together, and it’s hard to know you’re missing out. Couples share experiences, new memories, and mutual goals, all of which build a strong connection. Meanwhile, single people can easily feel left in the lurch.
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6. FOMO
FOMO, or fear of missing out, is natural in single people—being surrounded by happy couples can lead to longing or even feelings of inadequacy. Worse still, these devilish feelings can pop up even when you’re happy with life.
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7. Lack of Physical Touch
Physical touch is crucial for well-being, and single people might feel a little neglected. Even if you enjoy the odd fling, it’s not the same as having a person to call your own. Some days, the absence can make us feel physically or emotionally deprived.
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8. Dating Exhaustion
We’re just going to say it: online dating is the worst. Between rehashing the same stories over and over to dealing with constant rejection, it's hard on anyone. After a while, people are less enthused about putting in all that effort.
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9. Trouble With Friendships
Have you ever noticed that parents hang out with parents? It’s the same with couples. Double-dating is fun and there’s more to discuss, but that evolution can also ruin some friendships.
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10. No Sounding Board
The right partner means having someone to discuss decisions with. When you're single, though, you have to make all those decisions yourself. It gets overwhelming, especially with life’s tougher choices, and not having someone there only makes it worse.
