The single life is often viewed as negative, but in reality, living single symbolizes freedom, independence and untapped potential for growth.
The most obvious stigma attached to the single life is that one ominous word: 'alone.' Singles do most things alone, but you don't have to feel lonely in the process. You just have to learn how to take what you have and use it to make a happy, successful life on your own.
If you have some of these signs, you're actually on the right track to freedom and happiness as a single.
1. You come home to an empty house/bed.
There's nobody to greet you when you come home. Instead of wallowing in the silence, use it to recharge. Set up a routine centered around you. Cater to yourself. Pour that ice cold cocktail or iced tea for yourself. Draw a hot bath and turn down the bed sheets just like you would for a significant other. Cooking for one is still cooking for a loved one – yourself.
Evenings, when you're all alone is where you can take advantage of that untapped potential. Use this time to relax and pamper yourself. Read a great book. Work out. Brainstorm on how to get ahead in your job. Arrange and maintain your home to your exact preference so that when you come home after a long day, you feel safe, relaxed and comfortable.
2. You can't cry on your partner's shoulder after a 'bad day.'
Successful people, whether single or partnered, always focus on the positive. Instead of missing a partner to cry with, spend your time mentally preparing for the next 'bad day.' Look at things you can implement or avoid next time. Think about the skills you used to deal with your day and find ways to make them even stronger. Most of all, find gratitude in as much as possible. Focus on the good, your strengths and what you can do to improve.
3. Your schedule only includes you and/or your kids.
You have, right before your eyes, your very own life that you run completely. You have the flexibility to control every aspect of your schedule without having to compromise or work around anyone else! This is freedom! Take it and run with it. Look at your goals, your responsibilities, your needs, your kids' needs and completely organize your entire schedule around this.
4. You're the sole financial provider and decision maker.
This isn't stressful, this is control! When you're budgeting, you don't have to worry about a partner's needs or desires. It's all about you and/or your children! You won't be criticized for a decision you made in a hurry. You won't be questioned as to why money was spent on something a partner might disagree with. Not only do you have time to invest in yourself, but you have the responsibility to invest in yourself, your kids, your interests and your passions. Consider this a gift and use it wisely!
5. You don't have anybody to help you with the 'Honey-Do' list.
Does this sound familiar? You come home after a long day and discover your dogs, once again, have escaped out of the fence that you knocked yourself out trying to secure. There's no money for a new fence. You go back to square one trying to find a way to prop, 'jimmy-rig,' and repair the fence to keep the dogs in. After about ten tries, blood, sweat and tears, it works! At the same time, your neighbor's dogs get out one time, her husband fixes the fence and their dogs are secure on the first try.
WHY are you frustrated? YOU solved an ongoing problem by yourself! The neighbor simply relied on her husband. What happens next time both of your dogs get out and the neighbor's husband is no longer available? You have the knowledge and experience to not only help yourself, but to help your neighbor. This is what life is all about! 'Help thy neighbor.'
Apply this situation to every single incident that you have no 'honey' to help you with. You'll soon find that your being single can, and will help others many, many times.
"I am thankful to all those who said no. Because of them, I did it myself."-Albert Einstein