Being single doesn't have to be anything like how romantic comedies portray it. It doesn't have to be lonely, pathetic, or boring. Single life isn't sitting alone in your house on a Friday night watching Netflix while eating an entire bag of potato chips and ice cream straight out of the carton; I have been known to do all of those things on occasion, but it's not all that I do. In fact, single life truly is what you make of it. So if you are single and hating it, it doesn't have to be that way. If you do sincerely hate the single life, then maybe that means you should be stepping outside of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there a little more. However, whether you're hating or loving the single life, I encourage you to enjoy or continue to enjoy it and take advantage of this exciting period of your life.

One of my favorite things I've done while single is take myself on a date and a mini treat-yourself day. I dressed like I would for a date, wore makeup, and fixed my hair a little more carefully, except it was all for me, and it was fantastic. I spent an afternoon in Alexandria at this fantastic restaurant called Pike & Pint and shopping at the mall and Target, and I ended it with a movie in a theater by myself since it was so early. For the whole day it was just me deciding what I wanted to do next and soaking up all of the quality "me" time (as silly as that sounds). I loved every moment, and I made sure to savor every bite of my food and the sun on my skin as I ate on the patio of the restaurant. I wanted to spread my happiness to others. I smiled more out of genuine happiness and tipped more generously, and whenever I saw a potential act of kindness, I acted on it. I was excited to have time with myself in a public setting without feeling lonely or judged. I was happy just having my own company, and I didn't hate being single as much once I realized the benefits of enjoying time by myself.

I know too many people who are reluctant to do things that they genuinely want to do because they don't have anyone to do those things with. I was that kind of person a mere three years ago, but then I started college at a school 10 hours away from home in a city where I didn't know anyone. I did make friends my freshman year of college; however, I did spend a lot of time alone, and I became more comfortable with being alone and realized how much I enjoy the time I have to myself. Granted, it did take some time to get used to my own company, but once I did, I realized what a luxury it is to just be by yourself and do what you want to do. I call myself an extroverted introvert because while I love being around people, I also need alone time to unwind. I believe there are points in everyone's life where they'd much rather or need to be alone, and I think we as a society should be more accepting of those who embrace their alone time, rather than pitying them, especially among single people.

The point is: don't let other people stop you from enjoying your time on this earth. Whether you've been single your whole life or just for a short period or are loving single life or hating it, embrace this time of your life and take advantage of it. Please don't wish away a portion of your life because you're not in a relationship. Relationships are great, but whining your life away merely because you're single is not a good way to spend your time. Embrace your life and take action! If there's something that you want to do but you have no one to do it with, do it anyway. No one is going to care if you're going to lunch or a movie alone; in fact, they might even be envious. It's okay to not like being single, but don't let your hatred of one small facet of your life ruin your perspective and enjoyment of this short life we live.