“The thing about being single is you should cherish it. Because in a week, or a lifetime of being alone, you may only get one moment. One moment when you’re not tied up in a relationship with anyone. A parent, a pet, a sibling, a friend. One moment when you stand on your own. Really, truly, single. And then, It’s gone.” – How to Be Single
One of the most important lessons I have learned in life is to not wait for someone else to be with me in order to do the things I want. Too often I hear people say, “I want to travel to Italy but I’ll only go with a boyfriend,” “I want to go see a movie but none of my friends want to go with me,” “I’m craving sushi but everyone I know is busy.”
Why do we do this? Why do people feel they can’t do the things they want or achieve their goals unless they have someone to do it with?
This year I refuse to let opportunities pass me by because I’m too afraid to do them alone. Life is too short to wait for anybody. If I want sushi, then I’m getting sushi without the fear of being embarrassed for eating alone. And you bet I’m going for the all-you-can-eat! This year, challenge yourself by doing more things alone because you deserve it!
1. Eat a meal
Is there a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try that your friends aren’t into? Too lazy to cook yourself food? Take yourself out to lunch or dinner date and eat your heart out!
2. Go see a movie
Buy yourself the large popcorn and sit down in comfort with the knowledge that you don’t need to share your snacks with anyone. *sips diet coke*
3. Shop ’til you drop
No longer do you have to worry about spending too much time in one store or being annoying for trying on too many outfits.
4. Take a hike
Sometimes you need to get away from it all and be alone with your thoughts and the outdoors. You can also take breaks whenever you need to because you don’t need to keep pace with anyone.
5. Travel
Traveling alone doesn’t have to mean taking a flight to the other side of the world. Pick a city nearby that you’ve never gone to, book a bus ticket, and explore somewhere new for the day. Or if you’re feeling extremely adventurous (and have some money collecting dust in your bank account) book that dream trip to Italy. Traveling alone means not having to compromise on where to go and what to see.
6. Rock out at a concert
Have a favorite band that’s playing in your town but nobody you know is into them? Buy the ticket anyways and dance and sing the night away.
Truth is, no one cares if you’re doing something alone. Often times people are so concerned with what they’re doing and others’ perception of themselves that they don’t have time to judge anyone else. If you spend your life waiting for someone you’re going to miss out on so many experiences.
Appreciate the time you have with yourself because one day you won’t have this luxury. One day you will have someone to travel with or go to the movies with but for now, enjoy being alone. This is your time to truly be selfish. Do exactly what you want, when you want. Never in your life will you have this much freedom. So take advantage it. Don’t spend your whole life waiting for the right person.
Featured image via Dave Goudreau on Unsplash
