Single and Fickle

I feel saturated by the notion that being single is fantastic.

And empowering.

And thrilling.

And modern.

I’ve sifted through reams of online material dedicated to the single woman and concluded that she has the dubious honour of being one of the most reassured figure in today’s culture. Purporting to extol the joys of single-hood, statements such as, “It’s OK to be single”, and “Things to do before you get married”, only serve to demean rather than enlighten. The unified philosophy reads like, “It’s fine to be single, because you can indulge in shoe shopping and sip fancy cocktails and go about becoming every inch the Sex and the City cardboard cut out, but you’re only doing these things in the mean time before Mr. Right gives you a real sense of purpose by putting a rock on your finger.”

And thank you for the glaringly shocking pink background. Every. Single. Time.

These “permission-to-be-alone” guides undermine the single lifestyle, portraying it as a transient state to be endured and tolerated rather than experienced for what it is. Inevitable.

Being single is a sure occurrence for everyone at some point. In terms of relationship status, you’re either one or the other. If you’re single; you’re not in a relationship, and if you’re in a relationship; you’re not single. It’s really as simple as that.

I’m sick of hearing it rationalised and examined. It’s to be experienced. So, just live it already. Because really, the most important relationship you’ll ever have, is with yourself.