We constantly go through this emotional roller coaster of seasons that remind us that we’re single. We have cold winter nights that are supposed to be for cuddles and hot cocoa and summer days are to be made up of sunbathing and adventuring with your amazing “man crush monday”. In all honesty, is that really worth it? Is being single really that bad?
There is nothing wrong with being single, but man does society make you feel otherwise sometimes. Many girls dream of having a hot man by their side as they road trip, share ice cream and spend warm summer nights on the beach looking at stars….. gag.
You know what’s better than being single? Being single in the summertime! The list of perks is endless.
This could be a summer that changes your life, opens new doors and creates unforgettable memories that you and your friends can share forever. Summer allows you to travel, get a new job, go back to your old hometown, or even score a sweet internship. Whatever it is, this is your golden opportunity to make this summer the best yet.
Here are eight benefits of being a single lady this summer:
1. Slimy, sweaty PDA.
Alright, I don’t know about you, but holding hands or cuddling when it is hot outside is kind of sweaty and gross. Sure, it’s cute to hold hands and show affection for each other, but avoiding the clammy hand is kind of nice. Cuddling in summer is like hanging out together in a sauna. You can get close for two minutes and then BAM, it’s like a heating blanket has been covered over you and you dash. But when you’re single, you don’t to worry about any sweaty hand hugs!
2. Fewer clothes and less make-up.
Is there anything to even say about this one? If I can walk around in a bathing suit or as little clothing as I can and not wear make-up, SIGN ME UP! Say goodbye to cute Coachella-inspired outfits and having to get dolled up for dates and say hello to lazy beach days with your girlfriends. And you know what else that brings? Nights that consist of sitting in your ugliest, most comfortable pair of underwear while eating Ben & Jerry’s and watching chick flicks. Winning.
3. You can copy Britney Spears’s “Crossroads” inspired road trip.
We’ve all seen Crossroads, the great movie that stars Britney Spears and her crazy friends that she’s known forever and they decide to go on a spontaneous road trip. Well, why can’t that be us this summer? We’re finally done with a long year of exhausting school, so why not pack up your car and head somewhere? There are so many cool places to go and so much California history to see. If you’re from up North, try planning a trip to Southern California! Head down to Orange County where you can hit up Laguna Beach and live out your junior high fantasies, or stop by Disneyland or Fashion Island! If you’re from Southern California, head up to Carmel, Half Moon Bay, or San Francisco! You can see the cute, quaint towns and infamous surf spots, or ride the trolley through downtown San Fran! This is a great time for you and your friends to catch up on everything that happened this year while in college, so take advantage!
4. You can hit up music festivals and concerts.
The list of music festivals and concerts this year is endless. From plenty of two-day cliff side concerts in Arroyo Grande, to Warped Tour in Ventura, the Mid-State fair in Paso Robles, or Outsidelands in San Francisco, there are plenty of amazing bands out there to go and see! Going to concerts is one of the best experiences that you and your friends can enjoy together. That band that you both have always dreamed of seeing is right there in front of you and belting out the lyrics is an absolute must. Create a scrapbook of all of your tickets from each concert, or make a list of every band you’ve seen.
5. You can read a good book.
I know this sounds extremely cliche and boring, but I’m being serious. I haven’t had any time to catch up on the latest books and it makes me sad. This summer, why don’t you set a goal for yourself and try to read as many books as you can. There’s A Fault in our Stars, Mindy Kaling’s Why is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me, or Divergent, the list goes on! This is great for when you’re laying outside, or when you find a peaceful park and relax. Lose yourself in a great book!
6. You can go skydiving.
Ummm, YES! This is an awesome way to celebrate being single over summer. You are being extremely vulnerable and jumping out of a plane by yourself which is awesome. Santa Barbara and Lompoc offer student group discounts to those who show up and just so happen to be in beautiful locations. There are plenty of other locations around the state, but those are the closest to SLO. This is another thing that can be done with a group of friends or even with your siblings. This allows you to experience something that you would’ve never even considered, so jump out of your comfort zone!
7. You can get your Top Chef on.
Girls nights, BBQ’s and Fourth of July parties are always fun, so why not do something different and make some delicious food? There are plenty of great cookbooks to take advantage of, but if you want an easier, accessible resource, then Pinterest is your new best friend. I remember making tie-dye cupcakes and sangria for a Fourth of July party last year and everyone loved them! It was such a good feeling knowing that I made something that everyone liked. All this practicing will prepare you for the next school year too! No more boring college meals, yay.
8. You can take advantage of free flirting!
When you’re single, you can do whatever you want. You have the surrounding world at your fingertips, so why not have some fun with it? There are going to be plenty of cute guys around you while you’re at the beach; or maybe you’ll have a really cute checker at Trader Joe’s, who knows! Regardless, put your flirting skills to work! Flirting is usually harmless, so don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with a new someone. This is a great way to get comfortable with flirting and shake off any awkwardness you have. Have fun with it!
Oh, I forgot one more reason…. BEYONCE MADE A SONG JUST FOR YOU!
Have a wonderful summer!