Being single

It’s okay to be single

Your relationship status doesn’t define who you are. Whether you’re single, dating or loved up, we’re all the same.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that places a premium on happily-ever-after, so it can be tough to block out the feeling that you’re the only single person in town. Just remember it’s always okay to be single! 

Appreciate your mates

Being single doesn’t mean being lonely. You’re young, free and independent. You’ve got mates who care about you, who like you for exactly who you are, and who want to make great memories with you.

Even if you’re on the shy side, being single gives you the time and opportunity to forge close bonds that will always matter.

Be true to yourself

Being in a relationship can seem like a cool idea, and when the right person comes along it can be great. But not all relationships are created equal. Never change who you are, or what you want (whatever that may be), just so that you can tell your mates you have a girlfriend or a boyfriend. It’s way better not to be in a relationship than to be in a bad one. 

The sex factor 

Whether you’ve previously been in a relationship and are now enjoying the single life, or have been happily single for a while, it’s hard not to think about sex and physical intimacy. It’s totally natural to crave that intimacy with another person, and exploring that in a healthy way is part of being single.

But sometimes it’s easy to confuse sex and emotions, so before you take any steps with someone new, check-in with yourself and be sure your head is in the right place.

Crushed by couples

At some point, a bunch of your mates will all find their forever person (for the next month!) and it will feel like you’re the last single person on earth. People in couples also tend to take pity on their ‘sad single friends’ but that’s just them projecting their own insecurities. If you’ve got friends who are always throwing you a pity party or trying to set you up with their cousin’s second-best friend, the best response is just to say, ‘I like being single’ and then change the topic of conversation.

PRO SINGLE TIP: Most theme parks have spots for ‘singles’ to fill in the gaps for each ride, you’ll never queue up again!

Surviving Valentine’s Day and other classic date nights

If Valentine’s Day and other classic date nights are tough ones for you, plan ahead. Here are some ideas:

• Get moving: Walk laps of your local park, head to the pool, or go for a run and let the fresh air and endorphins work their magic.
• Pizza and Movie night: Invite your closest pals over, order a few pizzas and watch a movie. After a couple of slices of Supreme, you won’t have a care in the world.
• Game of love: Whether you go old school with a board game, or set up camp on the couch and fire up the PS4 or Xbox, a games night is the perfect distraction from all the Valentine’s Day vibes.

Party of one: Flying solo at a hang out

When all you can see around you are lovey-dovey couples, it doesn’t mean you’re the odd one out. It all comes down to your attitude. Here’s what to do.

First, plan ahead. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and good about yourself. Then, stay positive and open. Don’t feel like you have to impress anyone other than yourself. 

Take the opportunity to meet a new crew, have some fun and work on your socialising skills. A lot of people find it hard to enjoy spending time alone. If you can crack that, you’ll find there’s so much more out there waiting to be enjoyed.