Benefits of singledom

Although being in a relationship has its benefits, being single has its perks as well.  First, you must feel comfortable not being in a relationship.  It can be difficult if you just ended a long term relationship.  But you will heal with time, social support, and distractions.  (See my post on How to handle rejection in dating.)

It is good to have time by yourself when you come out from a relationship before dating again.  Get into the mindset that there is no pressure to find someone soon.  Take this time to concentrate on yourself.  You can lose, or forget about, yourself in a long term relationship after adapting or accommodating to the other person for a prolonged period.  So learn about yourself again.  Be introspective.  Improve yourself.  It is important to know, respect and love yourself first before getting into a relationship.  If you do not understand yourself well or appreciate yourself, how do you expect someone else to?

You have more time for yourself.  Do things you enjoy.  Find a new hobby.  Travel.  Volunteer in community services. Improve your work performance or chances of a promotion (but do not become a workaholic).  If you recently came out from a relationship, these are all things that will also distract you and help you get over your ex.

Another benefit of being single is that you do not have to adapt or accommodate to a partner.  You can go ahead with your own routines, habits and preferences.  You can do whatever you want... whenever, however and wherever you want... with whom you want, and for as long as you want.  You do not have confer with a partner, or accommodate to their preferences or schedule.  You also do not have to do things they wanted that you did not enjoy.

Being single, you save money that would have been spent on your partner.  Spend it on yourself instead.

Being single does not mean that you are alone.  You can have family, friends, and even pets be an active and important part of your life.  Spend time cultivating your relationships with them - make these relationships strong and meaningful.  These are the people who are your support system and stable factors in your life.  Until you meet "The One," your boy/girlfriends will just come and go.

Enjoy dating.  Flirt and play the field if you want.  Enjoy the excitement of meeting new people and tingles of a first date or new relationship.  Even though you may have bad dates or short term relationships, make the most of that time.  Learn from your bad dates and relationships.

The grass is always greener on the other side.  People who are single want to be in a long term relationship.  Those who are in a long term relationship or married miss aspects of being single.   With the greener grass, there are also weeds and more fertilizer/manure you have to face.  And sometimes the grass may appear greener but it is actually artificial turf.  So water your own grass and it will naturally become more green.