Single Not Sorry: 9 Surprising Benefits of Being Single

The media seem to misrepresent the idea of being in a relationship as the pinnacle of fulfilment. Every movie, and book, seems to romanticize the idea of a relationship to the point where one feels that being with someone will “complete” you. But that is very far from the truth. In a world like this, the many benefits of being single often go unnoticed and uncelebrated. Beyond the societal pressures to seek companionship lies a realm of boundless possibilities, self-discovery, and personal empowerment. Let’s take a look at reasons why being single can be an incredibly enriching experience.

Read More: Psychology Behind Relationships

9 Benefits of Being Single

1. Self-discovery

Being single gives you the time and the freedom to embark on a journey of unparalleled self-discovery. Relationships can often take away the time for you to understand yourself. People risk losing touch with themselves because they have less time alone to focus on their personal development.

But being single gives you the platform to sit and think about what you want as an individual. You get to sit with yourself and get in touch with your thoughts and feelings; your desires and your aspirations. It can be easy to fully lose yourself in a relationship. This period of introspection cultivates a profound understanding of the self, paving the way for personal growth and authentic living. 

Related: Can Breakups Be An Important For Personal Growth?

2. Independence and Autonomy

This is not to say that being in a relationship confines you, but being single may give you the autonomy to do things you may have been hesitant to try with your partner. Without the need to consult or compromise with a partner, you have the freedom to make decisions that align solely with their own desires and ambitions. You can now try that new restaurant around the corner that your partner did not want to visit, go on that trip you’ve been putting off for years, and pretty much do what you want to without consulting anyone. It can be a very empowering feeling.

Read More: What is Self-Actualization and 5 Ways to Achieve it

3. Greater Financial Freedom

Relationships can be expensive, especially if you and your partner are not at the same financial level. Although being with someone can help share financial burdens, it can also be costly. Planning date nights, going on trips, getting them gifts- all of these can be a burden on your wallet.

Being single helps you be financially stable and financially independent. You can spend as much or as little as you want, and when you want. You make independent financial decisions, invest in personal development, and pursue experiences that contribute to your overall well-being. Knowing you have control over your wallet can also make you feel secure. 

Related: Top 10 books to read for Financial Independence in 2024

4. Deeper connections with others

You tend to prioritize your partner in a relationship, and it can result in you often finding it difficult to maintain other friendships. Being single increases social connections. You are no more than one person in the group always cancelling plans to hang out with your partner. You now have the time and energy to invest in meaningful friendships, familial bonds, and community engagements. Also, you get to spend more time with your loved ones and be there for them.

5. Time for Self-care

Being single gives you the much-needed time for self-care. You can fully indulge in yourself- spend time alone, doing what you love. You get to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental health without distraction. Join a yoga class, and learn a new hobby- you have all the time in the world now to focus solely on yourself and what you need. As we talked about in the above point, you get to hang out more with your friends and loved ones. This is also an important facet of self-care.  Being single can thus bring back the balance in your life. 

Related: Self Care: What It Is And What It Isn’t

6. Empowerment in Decision-making

It is no secret that being in a relationship can unknowingly put some constraints on us. You may not go somewhere or do something that your partner doesn’t agree with. Being single means you get to make independent decisions. Without a partner to seek approval from, you get to essentially do what you want and when you want, without worrying about anything else. You can trust your instincts and intuition when navigating life’s choices. It helps you feel empowered and gives you a sense of agency and ownership. 

7. Your mind is decluttered

Relationships are also very exhaustive mentally. You are constantly worried about thousands of things- fights with your partner, overthinking about things, and countless others. It can be mentally draining at times, often taking up a lot of your energy throughout the day. Much of this happens unconsciously, but it affects you greatly nonetheless. Being single can be freeing in that sense. Your thoughts aren’t occupied by what your partner is thinking, where your relationship is going, etc. You can streamline your thoughts to what you want to focus on. You are more focused and can concentrate on yourself and your life better. 

8. Embrace Solitude

You become more and more okay with being by yourself. The most important relationship you have is with yourself; it is important to work on it. Being single means you have a more positive outlook on solitude; you even start to cherish it. It acts as a sanctuary for self-reflection, introspection, and spiritual growth. It can offer you pockets of chaos between your hectic life. You go on trips alone, even on dates, and start to learn to enjoy your own company. 

9. You become more Confident

Learning to enjoy your company, making independent decisions, practising self-care, and being autonomous, all of these slowly build up your confidence. You trust yourself more and are more confident in your ability. You have a good understanding of your needs, your motives, and your likes and dislikes. 

Despite what pop culture makes you believe, being single isn’t all that bad. It may even be beneficial. It makes you grow as a person, you become more confident, more independent, you become a good friend, and learn to be a better person. You make time for yourself- to practice all the things you’ve wanted to, but never had the time to. It is nice to be in a relationship and have a partner who you trust and love, but it is important to know that being single shouldn’t be looked at as “lacking” something in life. You are your person- with or without a partner!