If you don't know already, it's National Singles Week! We rounded up some of our readers' thoughts, and added in a few others, to come up with the 10 best things about being single (illustrated with GIFs, for added fun). Warning: if you're in a relationship, this story might make you miss being single. And feel free to add what you love about being single in the comments.
It's National Singles Week, so why not take this time to refresh your dating life? After all, the changing of the seasons is always a great time to reassess your well-being. Here are some bad dating and relationship habits to swear off. And if you're taken, we've got some tips for you, too.
Get more ideas, including those for people in long-term relationships, below!
Doesn't it seem like just about everyone is full of advice for the single girls in their lives? Friends in long-term relationships, co-workers who are married — even grandma has something to say about the situation. No matter how well meaning the advice, we're breaking down the five things you should never say to a single girl. That is, unless you love a good eye roll.
Misguided advice: "Don't be so picky."
Why it's lame: She deserves the best guy out there for her, no matter how long she's been single. Telling her she's being too picky implies she needs to lower her standards. Don't make her feel bad for dismissing a guy who lacks the qualities she's looking for.
It's National Singles Week, but you don't have to be single to want some alone time. Although seeing a movie, going to a concert, and eating out are typical date ideas, doing these things solo can be quite liberating. While it may seem scary or maybe a little strange at first, it's time spent alone where you can really discover yourself. With these 10 activities, we give you total permission to ride solo.
Every situation may have its exceptions, but when it comes to a first date, there are certain rules everyone should follow. First dates are uncomfortable enough to begin with, so we're sharing advice on fashion, conversation, and date-night etiquette to help you ease the awkwardness. In honor of National Singles Week, take a look at these GIF-able moments to learn the dos and don'ts of a first date!
Is it just us, or does it seem like every time Sunday rolls around, there's at least one friend who got engaged over the weekend? When you're solo, the floods of social media posts can get just as bad as all the annoying things people say to single women. (Really, how many details do you have to hear — or see — about how the engagement happened before it gets old?) Don't let it get you down, though! It is a happy time, after all, so chin up, embrace your singledom, and have a laugh with these GIFs that tell it like it is. Ready, set, click!
Cameron Diaz turns 41 today, and if there's one thing the birthday lady is known for (besides her sex appeal), it's how outspoken she is about being a proud single woman. And she's in good company. Not all women are committed to the institution of marriage. With career success, friendships, travel, or other hobbies taking priority, many women don't have bridal on the brain. Or, perhaps experience has helped some decide traditional relationships just won't work for them. Famous women often make headlines when they say "I don't" to marriage, kids, or other trappings of a conventional happily ever after. To balance out mainstream marriage mania, here are a few of the more articulate quotes from celebrities with alternative views on relationships.
There's no better time to be a single gal than in the Summer — am I right? Just think of all the people waiting to be met and all the fun to be had. And forget needing a partner to enjoy the season — you can have the best time ever with friends or even by your awesome self. So with Labor Day weekend, now's the time to check off that bucket list before it's too late. Here, we've rounded up some seriously awesome ideas to make this your best Summer yet. That's what being a free spirit's all about, isn't it? Check 'em out, and get ready to flap those wings in the sun. Click on the image or download a printable single girl's Summer bucket list!
Being single is awesome, no doubt. Still, it's totally normal to sometimes wish you were coupled up. And if you're the only girl in a group of friends without a significant other, those wishes often become hard to ignore. You've gotten used to chats about date nights and engagements and, let's face it — they remind you of your single status, major. Instead of boohooing, take advantage of the situation with these four tips. Party of one has never sounded so good!
Celebrate Being Single
Sure, it's a cliché, but being around coupled friends when you're the only one without a plus one can get you down. Count the reasons why you love being solo (being spontaneous, for one), and remember them when you feel insecure about your relationship status. Above all, know that everyone is on their own relationship path, and comparing yours to that of your friends won't do you any good.
Don't Retreat
Try not to let the situation cause problems or resentment between you and your pals. Instead, find the silver lining. With all your friends attached, their significant others are bound to have some single friends. Make it a point to continue to hang out with them, especially in group settings — it's the best way to meet new people, after all.
Being a 20-something woman these days can be overwhelming, to say the least. You're navigating the anxieties of postgrad life as an "adult" (whatever that means), sorting through the ups and downs of dating, trying to hold onto friendships with your girlfriends who may be in different stages of life, and hunting for your dream career. Not to mention comparing yourself to all your Facebook friends who look like they have it all figured out, even though — let's be honest — they don't know what they're doing either. If you're in your 20s and on the verge of a quarter-life crisis, then don't give up yet. I've selected a collection of books with poignant advice, hilarious personal experiences, and worst-case scenarios to help you get over the my-life-is-hopeless hump — or at least laugh about it!
