Goodbye 2023 and hello 2024! After failed relationships and talking stages, I’ve entered 2024 painstakingly single. Although some might think my first priority should be to get back out there, I think it’s crucial for me to enjoy this independence and grow from it. Last year brought lots of triumphs and mistakes, but this year encompasses personal peace and happiness. I’ve been brainstorming some advantages to singlehood and I’ve come up with some pretty enticing benefits to keep you single until you’re ready.
- Ability to meet more people
It’s a known fact that when you get into a relationship you have less time to meet new people. Between prioritizing your partner and finding a comfortable rhythm, it’s hard to branch out and try new things. Since being single, I’ve been saying yes to more experiences and it has led me to meeting some lifelong friends. The saying is true: partners come and go but the friendships you make along the way stick.
- Time to reflect on the past (and improve the future)
I hate to admit that the meditation and journal girlies were right, but they are. Reflecting — not reminiscing — on the past has helped me grow as a person and improve my mindset. In order for this to work you have to be okay with admitting where you went wrong so you can fix it in the future. Taking some time out of your day to sit in complete silence without any devices and writing things down in a journal is great so you can always remind yourself of how far you’ve come and the mistakes you won’t make again.
- Find new hobbies
One of the best parts of breaking up (after the gut wrenching heartbreak) is all of the free time you now have! Whether you want to spend that with friends or alone, this is a perfect opportunity to find new things that you’re interested in. This could be going to the gym, crocheting, hiking, reading, cooking, etc! Diving into a new hobby is a great way to use your energy for something that benefits you and makes you happy. Because what did I say 2024 had in store for us? Personal peace and happiness.
- Prioritize previous & new friendships
Friendships take effort. I’m not talking about having to text 24/7 or go out daily but they still take a certain level of commitment that many people don’t realize. It’s not until you become single that you realize how vital friendships are to your well being. Surrounding yourself with a group of friends who prioritize your happiness and share your same morals is unmatched. My favorite thing to do now is plan a day trip with my friends and talk for hours on end. They fulfill me in a way that a partner never could and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Let me end this article by saying that I am very happy for all of my friends in loving relationships and I wish them nothing but prosperity. For all of my single friends out there, we’re in this together and I hope that this year brings you so much new growth and you’re able to find things that make you happy.