How to Be Single Review: What the Movie Gets Right About the Single Life

During the month of candy grams, opulent floral arrangements, Pepto Bismol-pink teddy bears, and overpriced Hallmark cards, we single folk can often feel left out and dissatisfied with our current lack of romantic companionship. It’s easy to give into the temptation to fall into a pit of self-pity or get into a relationship for the sake of being in a relationship. Single women are often assumed to be lonely and actively searching for “the one.” But we don’t have to fit either of those stereotypes. How to Be Single takes cues from predecessors like Sex in the City to show there is no shame in being on your own. Here a few takeaways from the film that serve as lessons in the art of singlehood:

1. Some of us are better at the single life than others…and that’s okay. Any attempt to generalize single women will ultimately fail because we are not all the same. We each have our own reasons, whether we are relationship-less by choice or default. In the film, Robin (Rebel Wilson) embraces the single life enthusiastically, cherishing her independence and partying lifestyle, while Lucy (Alison Brie) scours dating websites daily for her perfect match. Some women revel in the freedom being single entails, while others much prefer the instant intimacy dating provides. Neither side should shame the other for pursuing what they want. As women, it’s important to support one another’s decisions, even if they differ from our own. 
2. A break is often better than complacency. After four years with her college boyfriend, Alice (Dakota Johnson) realizes the spark is long gone and decides a break is much needed. Despite the tug of familiarity, she pursues the opportunity to “get out there.” This is relatable for so many young women who find themselves feeling stuck in comfortable yet monotonous relationships. Fear of once again entering the dating pool often keeps them complacent despite feeling discontented. However, if a relationship leaves you feeling dissatisfied rather than continuously challenged in positive ways, it may be best to take some time on your own to discover what you truly want and need out of a partnership. 
3. Don’t shut yourself off completely. Just as women in relationships can become stuck in a pattern they’ve become accustomed to, we single ladies can get so used to being independent that we immediately rebuff opportunities to step outside our comfort zones. In How to Be Single, Meg (Leslie Mann) focuses on her career rather than romance – a decision that is becoming increasingly popular among 21st century women. When a great guy enters her life, she shuts herself off emotionally, assuring him it will never work out due to her dedication to her work. While it’s awesome to be perfectly content while single, this doesn’t mean we should reject any and every romantic opportunity without thinking twice. Don’t become dismissive solely because the single life has treated you well. Try to broaden your horizons and have a little fun along the way.
4. Take pride in your relationship status, no matter what it may be. Whether we are in committed relationships, serial dating, or single and not looking to mingle, we should always be confident in who we are as women. The women in How to Be Single are forced, at different points, to figure out what they want out of life and what’s been holding them back from achieving it. The end-all message is that our relationship status should not define us as a whole; nor should it prevent us from attaining individual happiness. If you’re in a relationship, love the one you’re with, but don’t be afraid to seek out exciting challenges. If you’re single, take pride in and advantage of your independence, but don’t limit yourself to potential happiness. We are women and whatever choice we ultimately make, we are fierce no matter what. 

How to Be Single is rated R and playing now in theaters.

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