Let me start off by saying this article is in no way trying to bash those who are in a relationship. A healthy relationship is a beautiful gift, and you should be congratulated on being able to receive such a gift. So, congrats!

This article is, however, meant to be an encouragement to those who may not be in a relationship. We live in a society that applauds being in a relationship. So much so that sometimes it is frustrating to be single. It's as if society makes us develop this “Why am I single and alone?” type of mindset. I think society has forgotten that being single is just as beautiful (and messy) a journey as being in a relationship. Just like each relationship we go through teaches us a lesson in life, the time spent being single also teaches us many important lessons. So here are eight reasons why being single is good for you:

1.You Develop A Strong Sense Of Self

When you are single, the best person you have a relationship with is yourself. You know your likes, your dislikes, your dreams, your goals, what you’re good at, what you’re not so good at, how much of a mess you can be, what makes you mad, sad, happy, joyous and every little emotion in between. A strong sense of self is being aware enough of all these things, and loving every piece of it. Even the not-so-lovable parts. If you have a strong sense of self, you tend to know a lot about who you are as a person. And if you can learn to love yourself despite how much of a mess you can be, imagine the ability you will have to love others.

2.You Can Become More Self Reliant

I have seen many relationships where the two people are so reliant on the other, that I have doubts on if one could function without the other. While helping your partner through different situations in life is a key part of being in a relationship, this reliance can also become a downfall if not handled properly. There becomes a natural tendency to always turn to the other person to provide for you in some way, whether it be emotionally, physically or spiritually. An excessive reliance is not healthy. Those who are single tend to have a higher level of self-reliance, not expecting someone else to do things for them. While we would appreciate the offer if someone did offer to help, we have every capability of doing it on our own.

3.You Tend To Have Stronger Friendships

It is no secret that when your friend gets a new boyfriend/girlfriend, you don’t hear from them as much. Being in a relationship is a commitment, and such a commitment often involves sacrificing time with friends. Sadly, less time with friends also can lead to weaker friendships. When it comes to seeing that new movie or going out to eat, the boyfriend/girlfriend always tends to be the first choice. Singles, however, tend to keep stronger friendships because they have that extra time. When it comes to making plans, singles will always go to the best friends right away. And often times it can turn into a group outing, helping to keep multiple friendships strong.

4.You Can Create The Life You Desire

As a single person, you have the ability to choose to live the life you desire. You get to set your own schedule, you choose what you want to wear, you choose what or where you want to eat, you choose where to spend your money, etc. If someone doesn’t like your choices, it really doesn’t matter that much. Because it is your own life and your own decision. You decide what is best for you.

5.Contrary To Belief, You’re Not As Lonely

The stereotype that tends to follow single people is that single people are lonely people. Not so fast! Let’s think about this. When you’re in a relationship, you always turn to a single person for comfort if such lonely or distressed feelings should arise. But when you are single, odds are you have multiple sources of relief to turn to between different friends and family members. Strength in numbers.

6.You’re More Likely To Stay In Shape

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had times where I’ve been in a relationship with someone long enough that I don’t really care what I look like around them anymore. I stop dressing up as nice, I don’t do my hair as much, and I don’t work out as often. I get into this comfort level where I don’t feel the needs to keep my body in as much shape because my partner sees me all the time anyway. Single people, however, tend to be in better shape. Why? Because they are not in that comfort level like people in a relationship are. Single people keep themselves in shape in order to attract other single people. And they continuously keep themselves in this shape so that they can continuously attract people. Sun’s out, guns out!

7.You’re Independent Financially

Whenever you’re in a relationship, you will eventually get to a point where money is continuously a shared medium. You have to figure out who is paying for dinner, then who is paying for the movie. If you’re in a more serious relationship, you start paying attention to what the other person is buying and why they are buying it. When couples are married and share financial accounts, it can become a whole different ballgame (word of advice, try to avoid surprise purchases). As a single person, you are in sole control of your finances. You know how much money you have, what you want to spend it on, and you can go spend it whenever you deem appropriate. Oh, and no surprise purchases.

8.You Have The Ability To Be Completely Spontaneous

As a single person, you can make those random, last minute decisions. When in a relationship, you will often need to run your plans by your partner. Letting them know where and when you’re going somewhere. When you’re single, you don’t have to. Want to see the last showing of that new movie that starts in 20 minutes? Go. Don’t feel like fixing that dinner you planned and just want to order pizza? Make that call. Want to go to Disney with your best friend for the weekend? Load up the car. Don’t feel like waking up until noon on Saturday? Snooze away. You are in charge of your spontaneity, and that’s the way it should be.