In college it seems like relationships are everything. Whether or not you’re in a relationship, you see them nearly everywhere. From the couples holding hands as they walk down the street to the awkward hookups from apps like Tinder, people’s romantic lives take over on campus. So for those of us who are enjoying being single in college, it can take its toll, but it doesn’t have to. Here’s how:
Instead of comparing your single life to the relationships around you, find your happiness independently. Dress up not because you want to impress someone, but because you want to look good for the sake of looking good. Go grab a cup of coffee and read a book at the local café, because you definitely don’t need a date to get your caffeine fix. Get dinner on the town for the sake of going out to dinner. Grab a friend if you’d like, but don’t be afraid to challenge the social convention that says you need to be with someone to get food in public.
Don’t let anybody tell you how you should behave in the bedroom. As long as you are being safe and respectful, you can hook up with as many or as few people as you’d like. Not about that life? Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to be. If Netflix and Chill is your game, own it. If not, own it. Nobody can tell you the best way for you to act happy except yourself. You’re single, and you should enjoy that in whatever way best suits you.
Not to mention the amount of time that is required for a relationship! Spending time with a significant other is incredibly important to have a successful, healthy relationship. In college, that can be difficult. Between classes, student organizations, piles of schoolwork, and perhaps even a social life, it can be tough to fit in the time for a relationship. So as important as that time is if you find yourself in a relationship, take that time while you’re single to focus on what’s important. Stay ahead in your classes, spend some time with your friends, and do the things you’re passionate about. Time is precious, and being single includes the gift of doing what you want with your spare time.
So live a little. Relationships don’t have to be everything. People equate love and relationships to happiness, but that’s not all there is to it.
Maybe being single in college isn’t such a bad thing. In fact, it’s actually kind of great. This isn’t to disrespect happy, healthy relationships, but just because relationships can be awesome, doesn’t mean being single isn’t. Because when you aren’t committed to somebody else, you can really commit to yourself. And not in a selfish or uncaring way, but as a healthy means of supporting your own wellbeing so that you can be at your best.
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