In the not-so-distant past, being single was often a sign of failure. Many people considered single women lonely creatures who couldn't attract a man. Though some stigma still remains, research conducted by Kay Trimberger, a visiting scholar at the University of California at Berkeley, reveals that for all women, including singles, the intimacy of being in a couple is not a requirement for leading a fulfilling and successful life. There are other ways to find happiness.
Step 1
Look at both the pros and cons of your situation. You might be single by choice or by circumstance. You might feel you are missing out on some things, but remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Think about the strains a relationship entails, and how much freedom you have now. If you've been in unhappy relationships, compare your state now to your state then. Look at the good points of being single, without trying to pretend its all rosy.
Step 2
Stay socially active. Being single means you probably need to make a bit more of an effort to socialize. Find friends at work or through activities you enjoy. Keep doing new things. Remember that being single, even choosing to remain single, doesn't mean you can't have romantic relationships in your life.
Step 3
Re-evaluate your career. When you're single, it's more important than ever to find satisfaction in your work. If you're not happy with your job, attempt to find a more fulfilling one. If that's not possible, look for other ways to find fulfillment, such as going back to school or volunteering. Find causes you're passionate about. Keep physically active. Think of everything you do as geared to feeling good about yourself and building and maintaining connections with other people.
Step 4
Do things on your own. While this might take some courage in the beginning, you might discover you like doing things alone. Don't let being single stop you from doing anything you want to do. For example, if you travel alone, look to meet new people on your travels. Buy a house on your own. According to ABC News, more than 1.7 million single women in the United States bought homes in 2005. Being single doesn't have to stop you from achieving your goals.
Tips and Warnings
- Being single doesn't mean you have to be alone or feel lonely.
- Society is still not set up for singles, so be prepared to combat the stigma. Don't let them stick you at the corner table.
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