Being single might seem like the kiss of death to someone who loves being around other people, but it can actually be far more social and fulfilling than being in a relationship could ever be. Here are few ways to avoid loneliness and appreciate single life in all its glory.
1. INVEST IN FRIENDSHIPS.
Your friends are your ride or die crew. Romantic partners come and go, but friends are forever. Being single is the perfect opportunity to reinvest in the friendships you let fall by the wayside while you were romantically attached, and they’ll remind you that you could go your entire life single and still be totally happy and fulfilled.
2. FOCUS ON YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH.
Going to the gym can be a drag, but getting a sweat on can be incredibly rewarding, not only because of the physical results you get from it (who doesn’t want to look fitter?) but for the mental benefits as well. In fact, studies have shown that even exercising once a week for only 10 minutes makes you happier than people who don’t exercise at all. It’s also a great way to meet new people and spend time with friends.
3. FIND HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY.
Having the time to learn new skills and develop new passions is one of the best parts about being single. If you’ve ever been curious about salsa dancing but never actually tried it because your partner wasn’t into it, now is your chance. If you ever wanted to learn how to take better photographs, now is your opportunity to take a photography class or binge YouTube tutorials. Finding passions that belong only to you is one of the most empowering ways to grow and learn about yourself.
4. LEARN TO LOVE ALONE TIME.
This may be easier said than done, but with time, anyone can come to love spending time on their own, no matter how much of an extrovert they are. You can start small with a solo trip to see a movie or walk around the park. Slowly but surely, you’ll find that when you plan parts of your day to be just for you and no one else, they’ll start to be the highlights of your week.
5. GO ON SOLO VACATIONS.
Some people find the prospect of traveling alone a little intimidating, and that’s totally understandable. Being a single woman on her own in a new place isn’t always easy. But once you try it, the liberation and sense of accomplishment you’ll feel will hook you on solo travel for life. Being completely autonomous allows you to make spur of the moment plans, meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and build confidence.
6. MAKE YOUR CIRCLE BIGGER.
Never underestimate the power of friendship. No matter how amazing romantic love can be, it doesn’t hold a candle to the comfort and longevity of lasting friendships. While you’re focusing on your friends and making your bonds closer, why not seek out some new ones? It never hurts to have more people to love, and one of the greatest parts about being single is that you have tons of time to really invest in other kinds of relationships.
7. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF FEELING UNHAPPY, LOOK FOR THE REAL CAUSE.
It’s really easy to simply attribute all your unhappiness to the fact that you’re single, but singledom is far from being inherently negative. In fact, a lot of people prefer it to being in a relationship. If you find yourself feeling unhappy or lonely, try digging a little deeper into your feelings to find the actual cause. This will not only help you with your current issues, but it will help you be a better partner if you ever feel like jumping into a relationship again.
8. EMBRACE SPONTANEITY.
It’s easy to fall into a groove when you’re on your own, eating the same meals every day, talking to the same people, watching the same shows. And while there’s great comfort in routine, it can also become stifling—and, let’s face it, kind of boring. Seizing last minute invitations or even just taking an alternate route to work once a week will expand your horizons and brighten your life in ways you couldn’t imagine.
9. TRY CASUAL DATING WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT EMOTIONS.
People use dating apps for all kinds of relationships, but one of their best uses is casual hookups. Not everyone is into one-night stands and one time dates, but if you’ve just gone through a breakup or are feeling lonely but not interested in anything serious, casual dating might be just what you need to spice up your life a bit.
10. KNOW THAT IT’S OK TO HATE IT SOMETIMES.
You don’t have to love being single every second of the day for it to be an overall good thing. No one likes being in a relationship 100% of the time either. The trick is to recognize where the discomfort is coming from and deal with it in ways that make you happy.