7 Benefits of Being Single

When you're in a relationship, sometimes you miss out on events in life and sometimes you just become so in love that you find yourself not doing the things you used to do when you were single. We have all been guilty of being in the honeymoon stage of a relationship or of being in a relationship where you want to spend most of your time around your significant other. But it's those relationships that remind us of the need for balance. When you're in those type of relationships, you forget the good of being single.

Perhaps, you're the type of person that feels they have to be in a relationship all the time. In other words, you're not single for long between each relationship you have. You're constantly dating and you think being single is the worst thing since bell-bottoms. Or perhaps you are the type of person who doesn't mind being single but a part of you wishes you were in a relationship.

Whatever your feelings may be on this subject, I feel like we should strive to have the best type of relationship...a relationship with yourself. As quirky as that may sound, it's true.
The benefits of being single are being able to get to know your best and worst self. The benefits below are great example.

Having time for family and friends
This is probably the biggest benefit. As we all know, being in a relationship sometimes means seeing less of our family and friends. (Although that shouldn't be the case) Nonetheless, having time for your loved ones is great. Spend part of your free time with them.

Alone time
Spend the other part of your free time doing things alone. Enjoy the peacefulness of having that time to yourself. I know people who say they will never go see a movie alone or go out to dinner alone. But I think most people would be surprised how many people actually do these things alone. There is nothing wrong with going to dinner by yourself. It doesn't mean you're a loner and it doesn't mean you have no one to go with. All it means is that you wanted some alone time and you're enjoying yourself.

Checking out local hot spots with friends
You remember that Saturday your friend invited you to the opening of the newest club in downtown? You didn't go because you and your ex opted to have a movie night in. Well, now is the chance to catch up on the latest social scene. Go to that local bar, or new club in downtown and enjoy events in your cities with your group of friends.

Focusing more on your career or career path
Perhaps you found yourself slacking off on the college courses or even slacking off at work. Now is the time to re-focus on all of that. Go back to school and focus on getting that raise or promotion you want. Continue focusing on making a better life for yourself.

Saving money

One of the most common things I hear of are how happy people are to not have to spend money on someone else now that they are single; especially if you're a guy. It's well known that men usually do more of the spending in a relationship. But, whether you're a giving guy or a giving gal, being single means not forking out the dough on your partner. And let's be honest, it's pretty nice to spend that money on yourself now. 

Flirting 

Oh the joy and freedom to flirt with whoever you want, whenever you want to. And no more only being able to look and not touch. Now is the time to have fun and let loose, but not too loose, if you catch my drift? 

Full control over your life

Whether you're getting out of a long term relationship or a long marriage, having that full control is amazing and freeing. A lot of times, we tend to make our decisions with our partners in mind, and that's all peaches, except for one thing. Many times, those decisions aren't everything we really want. So now that you're single, take advantage and do what you want, and make the decisions that are best for you and only you.

(Writer's note: You can also find this article on Howtogetittogether.com. I originally wrote this article to be featured for their website. They featured me there as a guest blogger and I would love for my readers to check out their website as well. Thanks!)

When did Ignorance become Bliss?

Ignorance is Bliss? I certainly don't think so. I read an article earlier on elitedaily.com titled "Ladies, the smarter you are, the more likely you are to be single". First off, let me say that I love the way the writer wrote this article and how they presented the truth and both sides. I am also glad to have come across an article like this. Men, if you think this is wrong, you are on the right path. Ladies, if you can relate, share this blog with your female and male friends. 

It occurred to me while reading this article, that there were many valid points made. I agree with one very strong point...that there is an epidemic of settling in this generation. Whatever the reason may be, I would love to hear honest explanations from the many people who settle. How can we as living human beings allow ourselves to be so ignorant? How can anyone allow their heart not to be happy to its full capacity of happiness? 

What I have difficulty understanding is why this generation is the generation of settling? I applaud those who don't and are still looking for the right one or have found the right one...their equal. Why should we as woman not see through the lies and the BS? And why should men allow themselves to be with someone who does? How can they morally be OK with that? It's true what the writer says in the article about how people believe that ignorance is bliss. But it really shouldn't be. Too many people are stuck on this misconception, specifically several women. 

So then why must an intelligent woman suffer for what a guy lacks? Just because a guy doesn't want to be emasculated and wants to be the dominant one? I don't think so. I once dated a guy who said he was completely supportive of me going to school and focusing on my passion. But he really wanted someone who can do wifely duties and work around his schedule. It should be equal. It doesn't matter who makes more money or who is more intelligent (that phrase should not even be used in a relationship), an equal partnership should be allowing each other to grow together but in the right direction. Each individual pursuing their dreams while supporting one another along the way. 

For the men who feel threatened by more successful woman, you are so morally wrong to the core to feel and think that way. I'm sorry to tell you, but we don't live in the stone ages anymore. Couples should be empowering one another. Sadly, it's a fact that most people, female and male, like to be the better one in a relationship. 

Women are getting more and more intelligent and men just aren't getting more supportive. Men aren't progressing as they should be according to modern times. Instead, we are finding that deep down, men still feel the need to be superior. Men feel the need to be the one in charge and take on the macho roll of supporting his woman and family. That's all fine and dandy...if it was the 50s. As said in this article I read, the number of college-educated women far outweigh the number of college-educated men. So what does this tell you?

We live among a generation of idiots. No surprise there. Instead of women waiting for the man that is equal to her and empowers her, women have the tendency to settle and are lowering their standards just to find a guy who appreciates them. Women are giving up their careers and dreams for these men. Some would think, that's great. But the intelligent person knows right from wrong and logic from fantasy. The fact that so many women are settling and so many men actually want a dumb woman, shows that intelligence doesn't exist in those relationships. And only in those relationships, is ignorance truly bliss. For a person not to acknowledge the immorality in the phrase 'ignorance is bliss' is to not feel. You can argue with me and try to rationalize it in your mind but that phrase is simply fantasy. Meaning that you are so stuck in a state of mind where you believe you are happy because you have settled and lowered your standards. 

Where are the men who are supposed to challenge us and understand us? Where are the men who are supposed to shock us and support us? The men who think it's a turn on that their woman is so damn smart. God forbid, a woman tries to challenge a man or question him. Not in an accusatory way, just in a moral way. I believe that an intelligent woman has a right to be loved. Yes I just said that. Men who ditch a great woman simply because she exudes intelligence and success, is a coward. 

I once was ignorant. I once chose to be blind to the lies. Then one day I chose to see through all the lies and the BS. When I chose to not be ignorant and blind anymore, that's when I started to realize something. I was in relationships with guys I was settling with. And now I'll be totally honest. I find myself going on less and less dates. Not because I can't get one but because I'm tired of dating the same guy over and over. I have yet to find a guy who challenges and shocks me. I have yet to find that guy who is willing to support me and can understand me and wants to be my equal. It really isn't much to ask for, but in this generation, apparently it is. I refuse to settle for a guy who is going to lie to me, hide things from me, and talk badly about me behind my back. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling that way. All woman should keep their standards high, and a man should want the challenge to meet these standards, and vice-a-versa. Both men and women should have high standard for each other, and those standards should be of equal balance. 

For some time I thought I was crazy to have such high standards, but I've realized over time and through my personal experiences that intelligence is key for a relationship. We can't let ourselves believe that ignorance is bliss and we should strive to eliminate this epidemic of settling. Intelligence should be expected in a relationship. I'm not just talking about college-educated either. Intelligence means being independent, knowing how to love yourself first before loving another person. Intelligence is knowing right from wrong in both logic and morals. Intelligence is knowing and understanding what equality is. To live your life in ignorance isn't bliss, it's tragedy. 

Be the CEO of your Life!

Being an independent person is one of the most valuable and most rewarding assets you could ever have in your life. Taking charge of your own life and of your own existence should empower you to do and be a better person in life, because there is always room for improvement. 

I see it everyday, in family and friends...people who depend on others. Independence does not come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and it takes a certain confidence in yourself to be able to step out into the world on your own. From purchasing your first car to buying your first home, being independent is so rewarding. I like to say that when you work hard and strive for the best, then there isn't anything you can't achieve. When you invest your time in schooling and/or your career, that's how you get ahead. Being independent and in control of your life, however, comes from within. 

Being an independent person doesn't just mean achieving our materialistic wants, it also means achieving self awareness. Knowing who you are and what defines you. Knowing that no one but yourself can define the person you are. The gratification of knowing what it means to love yourself outweighs the momentary gratification of having a materialistic item. As people say...money isn't everything; but self empowerment on the other hand, will give you happiness for the rest of your life. In order to start feeling and being independent, I believe it takes knowing who you are and being self aware of your love for yourself.

For those who don't know how to gain independence follow my advice and hear these words when I say, go boldly in the direction you seek. If you see yourself in a situation that is holding you back, then do what you need to, to move forward from it. I want to take a moment to acknowledge that there are some who were raised in an abusive and/or controlling environment. For these people, I must urge you to recognize that those environments and those people do NOT define you. They do not decide what you do with the rest of your life, nor do they dictate your thoughts. Be the best you, empower yourself, surround yourself with positive, strong, independent people. Those people are the ones who will empower you and encourage you, not bring you down or remind you of your past. In the words of one of my favorite authors, Meg Jay, "The unlived life is not worth examining". Don't look back, only look forward. 

It's hard to imagine yourself in a place in your life you are unfamiliar with. It's hard to envision yourself being someone your are currently not. But gaining your independence doesn't happen over night. For me, it took a little therapy because I needed help examining my life and figuring out who I was. Then I started to read books upon books, and articles. All of which were about being independent, loving yourself, letting go of the negative aspects in your life, what defines you, and how to take all that information and utilize it in your life. If you put forth both the effort and time, I guarantee you, it will be rewarding. There's no better feeling than waking up every day of your life and feeling an inner peace in your heart and mind. Whether you are spiritual, religious or neither, finding that inner peace is a gratifying feeling. 

Independence comes from within and from taking control over your life. Once you have that control of your inner peace and your life, it's time to announce your independence because you've done it. You've learned what it means to go through life not only empowering yourself, but empowering others as well. Most importantly, you've been through many lows to get to these great highs and you now know what defines you. Once you know what it is to have all of this, you're independent, you're strong, and you're the CEO of your own life. Embrace it.