6 Key Benefits of Being Single

If you are in any way like me, you know that being single has its challenges. You always feel the need to compete with your friends' attention and you feel like the third wheel. But you also begin to wonder if there is anyone out there for you. Someone that gets you and is literally on your level when it comes to your likes and dislikes. Someone that you can connect with on an intellectual level AND on a spiritual level. If you are not like me, maybe you have it all figured out. You are content with being single and you may never want to get married or be a part of any long or short-term relationship. You are very comfortable with your own thoughts, space, finances, etc. That's cool too! All the power to you! But at the end of this blog post, I want to help and clarify, for both parties, some of the greatest benefits of being single.

1. Time- When you are single, you are in control of what you do with your time. I know having a job/career is part of that, but don't think about that because that is a given. I am talking about the time that you spend outside of work. I don't want anyone to be thinking about the next meeting they have to plan for or the next business trip they have to go on, or even how long your lunch break is going to be. I want you to take a minute and think about all of the time you have when you are not working, taking care of the kids or any other demanding obligations you have on your to-do list. If you had a whole entire day to yourself, just to do what you want, what would you do? 
2. Finances- You don't need a significant other to spoil you. You are in control of how you want to spoil yourself. You want to splurge on pizza and ice-cream? Have at it! You want to go see that movie you've been dying to see for months? No one's stopping you. You are in control of your finances and what you do with those finances is up to you. I know it is nice to have someone else spoil you. But if you have an independent spirit like I do, honey, spend your money how you want and reap the benefits! 
3. Friendships- Relationships are almost always a burden when it comes to romantic relationships because there is always a chance that you could end up being the third-wheel and that is just uncomfortable. I have been a third wheel for most of my life, and while I was grateful to have friends that were dating, I also felt uncomfortable that I no longer had my friend to go to when I needed her. Over time, I ended up being the middle woman when it came to relationship issues with my girlfriends and their boyfriends. I was the calm in the midst of the storm for both parties and at times I had to tell one or the other what I really thought about the issue and how they should handle it moving forward. Now whether or not they followed my advice, I do not know. But when you and your friends are single, it is so amazing because the only people that matter are you and them. You can talk whenever you want and really just do whatever you want. I have a best friend who is most definitely like a sister to me and while we talk about hanging out constantly or doing something, we almost always end up hanging out at her house and I just hang out with her family and her kids and it's just nice to be in the same space as her. I recently talked her into hanging out with me at my place last week and she brought the boys and her other friend and we all just hung out in my apartment. It was great! Having good friends, especially single ones, makes enjoying being single all the more fun. But even if they aren't you know what is best for you and just being there for them when they need you and vice verse is a blessing in itself.
4. Goals- I've got a to-do list of goals I have to check off before I can get involved in another relationship. I still need to graduate from undergrad, I still need a full-time job, and I still need to get off of my parents health-insurance and get my own (I know it will come with the job but it is still a concern). I don't think I could accomplish any of these things if I was in a relationship. I know for a fact that doing so would just make my head spin. Plus all of the stress that comes with a relationship and all of the other things I am a part of, no thank you! Do yourself a favor, get your goals accomplished and then find the person that will support your success.
5. Options- I know this is a very vague topic, but bear with me. When I say options I mean options for a significant other. Some of you may have dated a lot and you just feel like you keep hitting a brick wall. Well if you want success in finding your soulmate, you are going to have to set some standards. Make a list of all of the things you look for in a partner and over time you may add to it. You may subtract from it. But at least it will help you weigh options of what you look for in a partner. Let me give you an example to get you started. I'm at the point in my life where I am just sick of dating and I just want to be with the man that God has placed in my life. So, what I have learned from the last three relationships I have had I have decided that I only want these three qualities: Christ-like, good communicator, and mature. That's it. Anything else is a bonus to me, but those are three qualities I am looking for right now. Do what I did. Hone in on what you are truly looking for in a partner and DON'T settle for less. Doing so will make you feel so much better about dating. Now, this process may take some time so patience is key. While you are single, weigh your options and DON'T settle for less. You will reap the benefits!
6. YOU!- One of the greatest benefits to being single, I think, is you. Being able to get to know yourself as a person and build that inner peace within yourself is key to not only enjoying being single but also improving your own personal relationships. Not only do you have to have patience with other people you interact with, but you have to have patience with yourself. You have to come to the realization that you are not perfect and that because you are not perfect you have the power and skill to grow into becoming the best version of yourself. Also, knowing your own flaws and how you can improve on them is a great asset to building relationships with others and loving yourself more. Doing little things like journaling and exercising (whatever format you choose) are great places to start. If traveling is your thing then go somewhere you've never been before or go someplace that gives you a sense of euphoria. By knowing yourself as a person and building your inner peace, you open yourself to a world of happiness and better relationships (romantic and non-romantic).