December 22, 2013 - Written by: Lauren Williams

I’m Single, and that’s OK

It’s getting to that time in my life when almost everyone around me is getting married, having kids and constantly letting me know about these milestones by updates on Facebook. Lunch with the girls has turned from, “guys, you’ll never guess what I got up to last night, I was so drunk and then…” to, “well we’re just sorting out the seating plan for the wedding…” and my not-so-single friends like to tell me about their boyfriend/fiance/husband’s friend who is just so cute/nice/attractive that we should definitely hook up.

But I’m just gonna go right out and say it – I’m single, and that’s OK.

Controversial, I know. Crazy? I don’t think so.

It’s just got to the time where I need to think about me. And in all honesty – I’m just sick of the dramas. I don’t need any more hassle in my life, thanks.

It’s not that I’m swearing off relationships, it’s not that I hate guys, I just honestly don’t have the energy to actively seek out someone who I want to spend time with that isn’t already one of my besties. It’s an awful lot of effort getting to know someone and first dates are exhausting, awkward and quite frankly, a social situation I’m not overly interested in stepping into.

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I find that most guys can’t handle my overactive social life, my circle of friends which is mostly boys and my constant need to get on a plane and get the hell out of here for a while. These things and people make me one very happy lady and without a boy in my life, I can do all these things and see all these people without having to worry. If I want to go to drinking all day or head to a festival on the Continent with 10 rather offensive and rowdy men, I can, without feeling like I should check in every hour.

It’s now my life. And my life only.

The last guy I was seeing, y’know, the one who’s brother I slept with, was the straw that broke the camel’s back and has made me realise that I just want some good, quality time with me. I’m not a girl to be tamed or one that you can keep tabs on – I’m a mighty force of party and adventure to be reckoned with and a boy cannot stop that. The words “I don’t mind you going out, as long as I’m with you” put the absolute fear of the Dating Gods in me.

Just. No.

I’m sure there are a lot of you out there who also cringe at the, “the right man is out there for you somewhere” catchphrase that your coupled-up chums like to use and reuse every time you go through a breakup, endure a bad date or plunge into a man-hating rant after a few too many vinos. And they’re right, he probably is out there somewhere, but I don’t see the need to spend my life looking and waiting for him to appear when I can be having fun. After all, where’s the fun in constantly being on the lookout for someone who might not be in this bar, on the beach or in the same tennis club as you?

So here’s to all the single ladies out there – you’re not tragic, desperate or sad. You’re an independent female who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to say it. Make 2014 the year to invest in yourself – book a flight and discover somewhere new, enroll in a Masters Degree, learn a new language. Make 2014 the year you fall in love with yourself, after that, the rest just flows, right?