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Being Single in 2017

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCAT chapter.

So it is 2017 and you are still single! I know what you’re thinking, “I’m going to be single forever. Nobody will ever love me. I’m better off alone.” But before you jump to all those untrue conclusions, take some time to reflect on yourself as a person. It’s perfectly okay to be single because a significant other does not define you nor does a relationship. Make sure you are taking the proper time to build your own foundation and brand as a person before you start your soulmate search. 

Yes, I am aware that being single can get a little lonely and watching movies by yourself with a pint sized Ben & Jerry’s ice cream container is pretty depressing, but being single doesn’t have to be a negative thing! There are a lot of pros to being single:

  1. You save a lot of money! When you’re in a relationship you’re bound to spend money on that person whether you want to or not, and after looking at your credit card transactions, you’re going to see that little things here and there add up.

  2. You can worry solely about yourself. A relationship is full of ups and downs and it’s not going to always be smiles, kisses, and big teddy bears. You have to take everything about that person’s likes, dislikes, and interests into perspective, and that can result in miscommunication and arguments. A relationship is like a flower, it needs a lot of care in order to grow. Be thankful you don’t have to worry about someone else all the time!

  3. You can find yourself. Take this time to dive into your dreams and aspirations! Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to be in love while in college but this is also the time to become who you are. Find passion in something new and take each day one step at a time.

  4. Dating! Being single means you have options and boy do I mean A LOT of options. There are so many potential bachelors out there willing to get to know someone and take them to dinner and a movie. This is the time to experiment with different people so you can definitely know what you do and do not like/want/need in your next relationship. Hang out with the nice guy who always compliments you on your smile or finally take that guy from awhile back up on his offer to go get a smoothie. Nothing too serious! Having casual conversation and connecting with someone is very essential in our part of developing as people.  However, as I like to say, “I don’t want to waste my time or his money.” If you know you and this person will not work, do both of you a favor and kindly decline the date. (You don’t want to lead anyone on.)

  5. Girl time is always fun time. Girl friends are forever. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, your real friends will be there for you like “Girl” by Destiny’s Child. These are your friends you can go to about anything, have movie time, study sessions, and lazy days with. Always take time to hang out with your girl friends because they’re there for a lifetime.

PLOT TWIST!!! If you’ve been single like me for a VERY LONG TIME you might start to get paranoid and think it’s you. Well…what if it is? As ladies, it is very important for us to be aware of ourselves, personalities, behaviors, and habits. The last thing we want to do is scare someone off. Here a few things that we commonly overlook and can easily correct.

  1. Personal hygiene is probably the number one thing we would hate to be the reason for someone not to like us. Make sure that you’re taking daily showers/baths and don’t be afraid to spritz a little Bath & Body Works perfume. (Who doesn’t love a girl that smells sweet?) Make sure you are brushing and flossing as well. Don’t be afraid to use mouthwash either! Nobody likes to lock lips with someone with bad breath.

  2. Don’t scare him/her off with your condescending attitude towards all guys. Ladies, not all men are the same. Be open to getting to know him before you leave him on read or categorize him as everyone else. Guys hate when we group them with other guys who have hurt us in the past. Give him a chance!

  3. That potty mouth might have to go. Of course The First Amendment gives us our right to freedom of speech but be mindful of your language. Most guys (of course not all), does not care for a lady to use a lot of profanity. Try not to swear as much and broaden your vocabulary with other descriptive words. Men might find it harder to approach you if you’re always ready to curse someone out.

  4. SMILE! This is my favorite thing to do. A smile is such a welcoming, door opener to many conversations and connections. A simple smile is the best thing a woman can wear, it is our best accessory and the greatest thing about is…it’s priceless. Our generation is so into this “resting b***h face” that is starting to become a trend. If you ask me…I don’t find it becoming. Men love women who smile because they appear happy. Go ahead, smile.

Ladies, we all have been there and I know it seems cute and sweet to have someone always there for you, but being single is not the end of the world.

Remember to fill yourself with positivity because happiness comes from within and it’ll exude! Dress cute for yourself, you don’t need to get dolled up to impress anyone. Pamper yourself, get your hair, nails, feet done just to boost that confidence. You are already an amazing individual who just hasn’t found her Prince Charming yet…he may have just gotten lost and is too stubborn to ask for directions. Don’t worry, he’s coming.

Hi everyone! I am a sophomore at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University who should be majoring in Weddings, but is actually a Journalism & Mass Communications student with a concentration in Multimedia. Originally I am from Woodbridge, Virginia, which is about 30 minutes south of our nation’s capital. I have lived here all my life, but I’m not afraid to branch out and explore the world. This past summer I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia to engage and immerse myself in Australian culture. The experience was phenomenal and I’m already counting down the days until I can return that beautiful country. Check out my Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.