Why being single does not mean I’m lonely

Won’t you be lonely? 

In today’s society when we hear of someone being alone we automatically think they’re lonely, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. There is so much of an emphasis placed on being in a relationship in order to be happy and if we’re not it, many people think it means we’re sad or lonely.

One of the first things people say to me when I tell them I have no interest in being in a relationship or getting married is “won’t you be lonely all by yourself?” and that’s the problem. Just because a person is in a relationship doesn’t mean they are not lonely. People who are in a relationship who are drifting apart or perhaps going through a tough time can feel very lonely and alone. Being in a relationship doesn’t automatically eliminate loneliness. It’s the people you’re with that decides that.

Valuing all types of relationships

The media so frequently pushes the idea that romantic relationships are the most important, that relationships between friends, family members and loved ones are often pushed aside. The focus of many movies and books is on romantic relationship. Why are these other types of relationships so often forgotten about or viewed as not as important as romantic relationships. The bond between friends and family may be different to the bond between two lovers but it doesn’t mean it’s any less important.

Why can’t the company of friends and family be enough for someone? Likewise, the relationship between a person and their pet, be it a dog, cat, reptile or whatever is also degraded. When a person says they prefer the company of dogs they’re seen as antisocial or even strange. We as a society seem to view any relationships other than those of a romantic nature as lesser and therefore not as important.

Pressure to be in a romantic relationship

The idea of being single for life is seen as the worst possible thing in many people’s minds. This is further encouraged by the media who constantly force romance into every form of entertainment possible, books, movies, songs etc. It’s everywhere regardless of if you want to see it or not. I’m sick of only hearing songs about romance and heartbreak and watching a movie where even though it makes no sense for the storyline at all, romance is forced into the film anyways. We as a society need to stop putting so much pressure on people to be in relationships and let people decide for themselves how they want to live their life and who they want to give their time to. Being single does not automatically mean the person is lonely and no, my life is not incomplete without a partner.