Going to Walmart is always a drag, even if you’re single. However, going during the month of February as a single girl is probably the worst thing ever. And since Walmart likes to get started two months early for every holiday, it’s safe to start avoiding the superstore by the end of December. Our generation, or “the meme generation” as I like to refer to it, has done well in glorifying singles. Our generation knows how important it is to be single rather than waste time with someone who doesn’t value you. That doesn’t mean that sappy romantic holiday’s (especially Valentine’s Day) don’t suck when you have to spend them alone.
There is a plus side; actually, a huge one. Being single on Valentine’s Day meant that you probably saved yourself a good chunk of change. You also probably saved yourself the struggle of convincing your less-than-willing boyfriend to watch the new Fifty Shades movie. Sure we know the value of being single, but do we really appreciate how awesome being single is? We singles might miss out on chocolate and teddy bears, but we get to partake in the kissing of equally drunk strangers on St. Patrick’s Day. You truly have no one to answer to (besides your parents who pay tuition and rent). Being in a relationship will always give you the satisfaction of having a cuddle buddy at night, but there is nothing we truly have to offer a relationship if we haven’t learned who we are when single.
Relationships require a lot of time and work. If you haven’t found someone to put in work for, do it for yourself. One of the biggest benefits of being single is that you are able to focus solely on yourself. This is the time to build on your personality; it’s time to do things that scare you, find out what you do and don’t like. All the money that is spent in a relationship, dates, gas driving to their house, birthday presents? That’s an art class you’ve always wanted to try, or a trip skydiving in Moab. The time that is spent with your partner could be used getting your grades up, or even going to the gym. If you’re not talking to anyone but feel left out of the love circle try taking up a hobby that you find a little bit scary that requires some time and effort. You might just surprise yourself.
One of the best things about being single is learning how much you actually like yourself and your alone time. If you’re coming out of a recent breakup you might relate to this. The bickering that takes place in a relationship can take a huge toll on your self-esteem. When you’re single you can really stop and appreciate the time you have to be completely yourself. Me personally? I’m a weirdo. The only time I can get truly weird is when I’m all alone, and I’m actually empowered by this. It’s the only way I can let it all out and actually be able to tolerate people for the next few days.
Let’s also not forget one of the best part about not having a boyfriend: having more girlfriends. You may be lacking in a romantic type of relationship but being single makes other relationships, such as friendships. Nothing beats a good night out with your girls except a good night in with them; having a partner cuts this girl time in half. Studies show that women in relationships sacrifice as much as 52 percent of time spent with friends. I don’t know about you, but my girls have been there for me more times than any boy ever has and they always have wine.
You may not be someone’s plus one, but being single makes you number one. I’m not saying that being in a relationship is bad; there are really a lot of reasons to stay single though. Don’t forget to appreciate them, because I know all your friends that are taken are watching your snapchats every Friday night reminiscing on the times they were out scoring numbers instead of watching their boyfriend play COD.