All the single ladies

So you’re single. And Valentine’s Day has become a dreaded holiday to you. Whether you’ve been single every V-Day for as long as you can remember, or your long-term boyfriend broke up with you this very week, you’re expecting the 14th to be full of self-pity and disappointment. But who says your nightmare holiday has to be filled with the clichés: a tissue box, a Lifetime movie and a carton of Ben & Jerry’s?

 

Not to stand on a feminist soapbox, but isn’t it about time women celebrate the fun behind being single — not curse the mere thought? The list of perks belonging to single women is a long and numerous one.

 

For one, on a very practical level, there’s no one you must spend your money on. All the hours you put in at your minimum-wage job won’t be blown on all the numerous occasions you’re required to buy him a gift (i.e. Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries… and did we mention Valentine’s Day?). It frees a lot of your money for yours truly. You know those new boots you really wanted? Who’s to say you’d have the money if instead, you were spending it on your “significant other.”

 

Secondly, very strong evidence exists that suggests women in relationships are more prone to gain wait. Think about it –– when dates revolve around an evening meal and a movie, one is bound to pack on a few extra pounds. Perhaps not as obvious, experts say women tend to compare their consumption proportions to their boyfriends — who can require over 1,000 more calories daily. Being slim not only makes it easier to stay fit, but it also gives you the extra encouragement (and incentive) to do it.

 

Yet another perk? Your time is your own — and that’s a liberating feeling. You know that trip to Cancun you wanted to go on with your girlfriends for spring break? Who’s holding you back? Or what about the internship you wouldn’t have taken had there been a boy to occupy your time? Let’s be honest, would you really devote as much time to school?

 

What about the fun in flirting? Being in a relationship can cause angst and guilt when partaking in any coy behavior. And we know how fun is it to chat with that boy in your philosophy class

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So here’s to being single. Here’s to the not-so-radical idea that independence, freedom and flirtatious fun can be a positive thing!

 

So instead of spending the night cooped up and wondering when Mr. Right will come along, try enjoying it differently this year. Have dinner with another girlfriend (or guy friend) who’s in the same boat as you this year. Feeling extra enthused? Throw a singles party the Friday beforehand. Maybe you’ll even score yourself a date for Sunday night.