Why being single is a great chance to experience new things

“Stop treating being single as the annoying time that you pass between relationships and embrace it. Rather than focusing on what you lack, focus on what you have: You.” – Natalie Lue

In the run-up to Valentine’s day, there is obviously an emphasis on the joys of being in love. However, it’s important to remember there are also so many benefits to being on your own. Recently I have been reflecting on some of the reasons why I love being single. Although you can still experience many of these things while in the right relationship, there are still great advantages that might shift your perception and help you make the most of single life.

My favorite thing about being single is having my full independence both physically and emotionally. A strong relationship requires compromise so now is the time to do what you want. You get to make big decisions solely for your benefit without having to factor in someone else or feel tied down. You can become more aware of the endless possibilities in everyday life and you have more time and freedom to plug into your hobbies and passions. Whether it’s trying something new or returning to something you forgot about while being in a relationship, now is the time to explore your passions and interests.

At this stage in life, we’re forming our identity and learning new things about ourselves and it’s amazing to explore that independently and not have to worry about losing your sense of self in someone else. It’s easy to become complacent while in a relationship, so this is a great opportunity to take risks, socialise freely and try new things.

While in a relationship, you tend to spend the majority of your free time with your significant other. Being single allows you to go out of your comfort zone and meet new people, which is something you might not have been as concerned with before. You also get to prioritize strengthening other relationships in your life that will remind you that there really is no reason to ever feel alone.

Another plus is that being single also allows you to become more comfortable with rejection. Whether you’re actively dating or just taking a chance in another area of life, you’re putting yourself out there more. It might not always go to plan but it sure pays off over time. You’ll learn from this and become a stronger person.

Over time, I have grown to love being single as it has allowed me to truly discover who I am. Of course, you can do this while in a relationship, and I haven’t totally got it all figured out yet, but I seriously value my “me time”. During the time that I’ve been single, I have learned to genuinely enjoy my alone time and have become my own best friend. I am self-assured and my self-esteem is not dependent on another person. I also have the security and confidence in knowing that if I did end up single long term I could get through life just fine.

Being single allows you to look more closely at your life, anything you want to improve on within yourself or work towards. It sounds so cliché, but it is said so much because it’s true. Self-love is so important and in my opinion, it’s the number one thing that you can work on to improve your own happiness. I have used this time to work on myself, to be the best version of me. I’ve done this most importantly for myself, but also for those around me and to make any future relationships healthier.

To sum it up, there are so many reasons why I love being single and why you should too. Being single has allowed me to reflect on how much I adore and love myself and how much I value my independence. It has also given me the liberty to do whatever I want without the need to consult “my other half”. So if you’re wallowing in singleness, or worry that you’ll be single forever, instead be grateful for where you are right now and don’t wish this precious time away.

There’s so much life to be lived and so much more to it than romance. Appreciate all the love in your life in all it’s many other forms. You’ll meet the right person at the right time and date for the right reasons. You attract people when you are loving yourself and living your best life so thrive in your singleness and make memories that you can tell that special someone about later.

This article was written by a SpunOut.ie volunteer. Check out our volunteering opportunities here and get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved.