Society pressures us to find a long-term relationship and settle down. This situation isn’t for everyone, though, and some people prefer staying single. Whether you’ve been single for a while or a new breakup has brought you to singlehood, you can benefit from the experience.
It can be hard to adjust to singlehood if you’re used to being in a relationship. Understanding the benefits can help you embrace the experience and make the most of it. You can live a fulfilling and meaningful life without a partner, and you may learn to love it.
If you’ve been single for a while, these benefits apply to you, too. You’ve likely already experienced some of them, and these benefits will serve as a reminder. Knowing these reasons can help you resist settling for the wrong person.
Although many people don’t acknowledge the benefits, there is value to staying single. If you’re single, don’t overlook the good that can come from being on your own.
Why People Prefer Staying Single
More Americans than ever are choosing a single life. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly half of American adults are free of a relationship.
Additionally, people are waiting longer to get married. The median age of first marriages occurs at 30 years for men and 28 years for women.
People who choose to stay single are often stigmatized and pitied while people celebrate marriages and relationships. It can make them feel like they aren’t living a meaningful life, but that’s not the case. Many people ignore the stigmas and prefer staying single for the following reasons:
- They haven’t found the right person
- Dating new people can be exhausting
- They enjoy the freedom of singlehood
- Not wanting to change their life
Fourteen Benefits of Staying Single
You can reap the benefits of staying single if you aren’t in a relationship. These benefits will help you live a meaningful life no matter your relationship status.
1. You Have Time to Learn More About Yourself
The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one to nurture. Staying single allows you to learn more about yourself, including your likes and dislikes. You’ll get to know your authentic self and learn about new activities or hobbies you haven’t tried before.
If your last partner didn’t enjoy an activity, now is your chance to try it. You can do anything that helps you get to know your true self.
As you learn more about yourself, you’ll also learn to value your freedom. It helps you make the best decisions for yourself, become accountable for your actions, and pursue your goals. As you identify all of these things, you develop inner strength and a sense of wholeness.
2. You Can Learn Many Skills
As a single person, you can spend time developing many skills. You can take on new hobbies or foster the growth of other abilities. You’ll have all the time you need to focus on what you want to learn. Plus, you’ll have to do things on your own that others rely on their partner for.
3. You Can Flirt Without Anyone Getting Angry
Flirting can be fun, and most people enjoy it sometimes. Flirting can be harmless and entirely innocent, but a partner won’t always see it that way. It could lead to an awkward or tense situation, mainly if someone develops feelings.
You don’t have to worry about this if you’re single because no one can get upset. Not everyone likes to flirt, but if you do, then staying single might be for you.
4. You Can Travel Whenever and Wherever You Want
When you’re single, you can wake up one morning and decide to go on a road trip. Or, you can consider going backpacking or to a tropical island. You can do whatever you desire without factoring anyone else in.
5. You Have More Time for Other Relationships
If you don’t have a partner, you can spend more time with your family and friends. You can develop strong relationships with others, focusing on healthy friendships. Without a partner to worry about, you can spend more time with the people you care about.
A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships explains that staying single increases your social connections. The increased interactions are due to having more opportunities to reach out to social networks. It also allows you to offer and accept help from other people more often.
6. You Have the Bed to Yourself Without Disruptions
While cuddling is nice, having the bed to yourself can also be good. You don’t have to worry about sharing the blankets; you can sleep in whatever position you desire. Plus, you won’t get disrupted by snoring or another person moving around.
7. You Have Time to Focus
You have more time to focus on your dreams when you don’t have a partner. You can spend your time and energy on your studies or work, helping you advance sooner. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to accomplishing your dreams.
8. You’ll Have More Time to Help Others
As a single person, you can contribute meaningfully to your loved ones and society. You can help those closest to you, caring for people in need. Plus, you can volunteer for projects that you’re passionate about. Plenty of organizations can use volunteers, and helping others will bring joy and fulfillment.
9. Decisions Will Be Less Complicated
When you only have to make decisions for yourself, it’s less complicated. Plus, you’ll experience less regret because you choose what you want in life without considering a partner.
When you’re single, you can be selfish about what you want. Plus, you’ll make the most fulfilling decisions since you better understand who you are. Making decisions without discussing them with another person allows you to maintain a sense of self-identity.
10. You Can Do Whatever You Want
If you’re not in a relationship, you can freely do whatever you want at any moment. You can make last-minute plans to go out with friends or see whoever you want. If you like to live with this freedom, staying single is the best option.
11. It Allows you to Pursue Meaningful Work
Those who aren’t in a relationship have more opportunities to pursue their interests and passions. They can focus on doing work that they find meaningful. This situation allows them to live a fulfilling life while enjoying what they do for a living.
12. You Can Focus on Your Health
When you aren’t in a relationship, you have a better chance of caring for your health. A survey of over 13,000 people showed that single women exercise more often and are likelier to stick to a routine. Plus, you’re more likely to take the time to prepare healthier meals when you don’t require input from a partner.
Research shows that single people tend to have lower BMIs and are less likely to develop the risks of smoking and drinking alcohol. Other studies show that staying single can decrease your risk of heart disease.
If you don’t have someone else taking up your time and giving input into your lifestyle, it’s harder to maintain healthy habits. You have more time to focus on your health without distraction or compromise. Plus, your habits won’t interrupt anyone or be interrupted by another person.
13. It Promotes Resiliency
When you’re on your own, you become a more self-reliant person. You don’t have someone to depend on to do what you don’t want to do.
Over time, resiliency becomes a huge benefit in your life. You can handle things alone and grow to like it because you know it’ll get done. Plus, you can overcome hardships without falling back on someone else.
14. You Avoid Settling
Sometimes the societal pressure to get married will push people into settling. Staying single ensures you don’t choose a bad match that doesn’t fit your lifestyle or dreams. Settling can cause you to stay with someone you don’t mesh well with because of finances or having children together.
How You Can Learn to Enjoy Staying Single
You might experience times when you wish you weren’t single. If this happens, don’t give in to the temptation to settle. Instead, remember all the benefits of staying single, and use these tips to learn to enjoy it.
Live the Life You Want
There’s no sure way to find happiness unless you live the life you want. Do what you enjoy, try activities that interest you, and spend time with those you love. You don’t have anyone telling you you can’t or demanding your attention, so take advantage.
Develop Healthy Habits
When you’re healthy and feel good, enjoying your life is easier. Implement healthy eating habits and an exercise routine that you enjoy. Prioritizing your health can make all the difference in enjoying your life.
Ignore Negative Comments
Society seems to tell us that we should get married and settle down, but that’s not the best situation for everyone. Ignore comments from people who don’t understand the benefits of staying single. If you’re happy, don’t make any changes to appease others.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Staying Single Most People Don’t Realize
Learning to embrace staying single can help you live a meaningful and fulfilling life. You won’t settle for anything less than you deserve, and you’ll find the right person for you. Or, you might choose to stay single forever.
Whatever you choose, it’s best to understand that staying single isn’t bad. It gives you a chance to focus on yourself, allowing you to live up to your potential.
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