Perks Of Single Life That You Have To Ditch When You Find Love
Let's be honest, we always want what we don't have and the grass tends to look greener on whatever side of the fence we're not standing on. When it comes to choosing whether to stay single or lock it down, sometimes you have to hop the fence to truly see both perspectives.
Speaking as someone who has survived both long-term relationships and long-term single droughts, I feel confident discussing the freedoms that tend to slip away ever so slightly as you settle into the comforts of long-term love.
Sleeping On The Couch For No Good Reason
I'll be the first to admit that I love to pass out on the couch, wake up at a random time, and stumble to bed in the wee hours of the morning.
When you're in a long-term relationship, that happens a lot less frequently. It's kind of weird if you decide not to come to bed, and the couch sometimes gets reserved for when one of you is sick, uncomfortable, or in the doghouse, so to speak.
No Awkward Conflicts With In-Laws, Extended Family, Or Friends
When you're invested in a relationship it's easy to take on the challenges and existing conflicts that your partner has with their own family.
Additionally, if your SO has a group of friends or a close family member that you don't like or get along with, a whole other series of dramatic problems can arise over the course of the relationship.
Sleeping Like A Total Starfish
Some people would argue that there is nothing better than having an entire bed to yourself where you can sprawl out and stretch your limbs across—it's me, I'm the people.
While cuddling with a partner is cute and intimate for a while, the best sleeping action happens the moment you roll over and get away from each other. Not to mention all the unsavory sleep noises people make, ugh.
All The Spare Time You Have For Friends And Family
You'd be surprised how little time you have for your closest friends and family when you're dedicating a good portion of it to the person you're dating.
It's easy to go weeks or months without seeing your main people after you get into a new relationship. So soak it up, singletons!
Guilt-Free Pampering
Of course, it is important to prioritize self-care even when you're in a long-term relationship. But that's not to say it isn't a little bit easier when you're single.
Making time for trips to the spa, the yoga studio, or wherever it is that helps you relax a little bit is harder when you're dating someone because you often find yourself wondering whether you should invite them to your "me time."
Overindulging A Little Without Any Real Consequences
In a healthy relationship, your partner will support you even when you do cross the indulgence line. However, when you're single, you don't have to wake up wondering what you said or did that might get you in trouble with your partner.
You can cause chaos in other areas of your life, but when you drink a little too much, there is no consequence of having to explain your behavior to your SO.
The Ability To Travel Alone Whenever You Want
Traveling with your partner can come with its own unique challenges and rewards. Traveling when you're single is a whole different game.
Being single gives you the freedom to book your own adventures or piggyback onto your friends whenever they may come up. Solo traveling opens up a lot of unexpected doors and opportunities to interact with people that you may not experience when traveling with a partner.
The Ability To Shamelessly Blow Your Money On Whatever You Want
It's true that we make our own money to spend it however we damn well please. However, it's also true that when you're dating someone, the financial decisions that you make can affect your relationship.
Couples may find themselves sneaking new purchases past their SO and hoping they never have to explain their origins. On the other hand, single people are free to shamelessly spend until that little digital "declined" message appears with nobody to answer to but themselves.
Going On Random First Dates
Ah, the thrill of a first date! A lot of people really enjoy casually dating and that's certainly off the table when you decide to commit to one person.
The idea is to find one person who you like enough to date only them, but even then, there's nothing quite like the excitement of going on a first date to see how your chemistry lines up with someone new.
Being A Serial Flirt Expert Via Text
Call it a flirtationship or sexting or whatever you want, carrying out flirty relationships via social media and text with anyone other than your SO is off-limits.
For many people, flirty texts and social media interactions are harmless fun. But when you're in a relationship, they can be considered serious violations of trust or even cheating. Do you know who doesn't have to worry about that? Single people.
Not Having To Buy Your SO Gifts For Birthdays And Holidays
Spending money on gifts and purchases for your boyfriend or girlfriend can really add up. It may be hard to notice how much money you spend on your partner until you're not spending it anymore.
Additionally, single people can skip the stress of figuring out what exactly to buy their SO and how much to spend on it.
Being Too Lazy To Clean Up After Yourself Sometimes
Living alone makes it pretty easy to become a messier, slobbier version of yourself.
When you're single you can lean into it for a few days and nobody will know the difference, which is how your room can end up looking like the inside of a lost and found bin.
Confidently Being The Weirdest Version Of Yourself When You're Home Alone
We're not talking quirky and awkwardly cute when you're by yourself. We're talking wearing semi-dirty clothes, belting out the retro tunes your grandparents listened to, wearing acne spot treatment and period panties while ordering copious amounts of takeout food.
Sometimes you find a partner you feel comfortable doing all those things with and that's cool. But it's really hard to beat the confidence that comes with being all alone when you wanna be weird.
The Chase
Alas, when you finally settle down and embrace that lovers' lifestyle, you give up the exhilarating "chase" to get the guy/girl.
For some people, it's a long-awaited sigh of relief to feel security in a relationship and end the "chase." For others, the chase is the exciting part that keeps the spark alive, and when it's gone, they find themselves wondering how to get that feeling back.
