Being single can feel overwhelming after a breakup, especially at the end of a long-term relationship. You might find yourself wondering how to fill the void your partner once occupied. Feeling this way when you’re newly single is normal. But here’s the good news: being single isn’t something to fear. On the contrary, singlehood is a powerful opportunity for self-growth, self-discovery, and happiness that isn’t reliant on anyone but yourself. Once you shift your mindset, you can start learning how to enjoy being single.
Saying, “I’m single now, and I plan to make the most of it,” instead of, “Oh no, I’m single,” is the first step of this journey. Fortunately, there are plenty of benefits to being single that might help adjust your thinking.
Why Being Single Isn’t a Bad Thing
Many people view relationships as the ultimate marker of happiness. Society tends to tell us that either we have a partner or something is wrong with us. In truth, there’s nothing wrong with being single.
Quite the opposite. Being single can open doors you might not have realized were closed and serve as a stepping stone to true happiness.
If that isn’t enough, remember that you certainly aren’t the only single person (even though you may feel that way sometimes). According to recent studies, roughly one-third of adults are single, so know that not being in a relationship is both normal and incredibly common.
The Benefits of Enjoying Single Life
One study from the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science explored the advantages of being single. Researchers found that single people experienced many benefits, including more freedom and increased personal development.
So, instead of viewing singlehood as a waiting room for your next relationship, try seeing it for what it really is: a time to grow, explore, and thrive on your terms.
1. Time to Rediscover Your Passions
One of the greatest things about single life is time. You gain time to reconnect with hobbies and passions that may have taken a back seat during your relationship. Now is the moment to dive into the things that bring you joy, whether that means painting, writing, playing an instrument, or learning a new skill.
If you’re wondering how to enjoy being single, this is where it begins. No matter what you enjoy, participating in activities that make you happy helps ease the pain of a breakup so you can start to heal.
2. Room to Build Stronger Friendships
Romantic relationships can become all-consuming. Sometimes, despite our better intentions, this leaves little room for the other important people in your life. When you’re single, you can take time to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and strengthen relationships that may have weakened over time.
Investing in your friendships while you’re single helps you develop a strong social network that will be there for you both now and when you’re ready to find love again. Moreover, investing in meaningful friendships enriches your life in ways even romantic relationships can’t. So, when you are in a relationship again, don’t forget to prioritize your other friends too.
3. Freedom to Travel on Your Terms
Without the constraints of planning around a partner, you’re free to indulge in spontaneous adventures. If you’ve ever dreamt of taking a solo hiking trip or immersing yourself in a new culture for a month, now’s the time!
Being single means you have the freedom to travel on your terms (and your schedule), whether it’s a weekend road trip or an overseas excursion. Solo travel is an excellent way to build confidence, gain independence, and grow as an individual. You’ll learn to rely on yourself and step out of your comfort zone in ways you never imagined.
If you think this sounds like the ideal recipe for healing after a breakup, you’d be right. Though you don’t have to travel to enjoy being single or overcome heartbreak, taking a trip can be a powerful catalyst for both.
4. Guilt-Free Prioritization of Your Needs
Putting your partner’s needs above your own in a romantic relationship is easy. While this give-and-take is natural and often necessary, it can lead to neglecting your individual desires, goals, or even health from time to time.
Singlehood allows you to focus entirely on yourself and what makes you happy. Doing so could mean exercising regularly, cooking nutritious meals, practicing mindfulness, or establishing new social routines. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide exactly what you need.
Remember, by taking better care of yourself, you become more in tune with what you truly want out of life. When you’re ready to pursue a new relationship, you’ll be more prepared because you spent time addressing your needs. You’ll also be living a life full of satisfaction in the meantime.
5. More Opportunities to Embrace Personal Growth
As nice as it would be, personal growth doesn’t happen spontaneously. You must invest time and effort to see changes. Being single allows you to set new goals for yourself and make strides to improve in the areas you care about.
You might want to read more books that challenge your thinking or take the leap of faith on a new career path. Perhaps you want to move to a new city or reshape your physique. No matter what your goal is, remember that personal growth isn’t just about bettering yourself for the sake of future relationships. By growing as an individual, you’re building a fulfilling life for you.
Conclusion
Being single isn’t a sentence to loneliness as you wait for the next potential partner to come along. In reality, singlehood brings tremendous freedom that you can use to deepen your relationship with yourself and grow as an individual. Embracing this time for what it is gives you a chance to live life to the fullest with plenty of satisfaction.
Although being single has many benefits, that doesn’t make breaking up with someone any easier. Healing from heartbreak takes time, and it’s okay not to feel happy right now. The Breakup Buddy app is a companion you can put in your pocket to accompany you on your healing journey. With personalized exercises and education, journaling prompts, and mood-tracking features to help you understand your emotions, Breakup Buddy can help you recover your happiness faster.
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