Not long ago, being single came with a weird sense of shame. People would ask if you were “talking to anyone” like it was a measure of success. But recently, something has shifted, not just in pop culture, but in how we see ourselves. After Vogue dropped that viral article asking, “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?”, a lot of girls started realizing that being single isn’t a phase to rush through. It’s actually kind of… chic.
For many of us in college, that idea hits home. Being single doesn’t mean being unlovable or lonely, it means finally focusing on yourself. It means being able to figure out what actually makes you happy without constantly worrying about someone else’s opinion. I see it all around me: girls choosing to prioritize their friendships, their grades, their internships, and their peace over the chaos of campus dating. And honestly? It’s refreshing.
The Vogue article wasn’t saying relationships are bad. It was saying that we’ve stopped treating them like trophies. It talked about how a lot of people are “soft launching” their partners now, maybe a cropped hand in a photo, maybe no post at all, because the focus isn’t on showing off love, it’s on living it privately, or sometimes not at all. That’s a huge difference from the days of “relationship goals” hashtags and couple TikToks. The message seems to be “you don’t have to prove you’re wanted to feel worthy.”
College life makes that message feel even more relevant. Between classes, late-night study sessions, club meetings, and figuring out who we even are, relationships can be a lot to handle. I’ve watched so many friends realize that being single gives them freedom, the kind that lets you take a weekend trip on a whim, or change your major without explaining it to anyone. There’s a confidence that comes with living life on your own terms.
And being single doesn’t mean lacking love. It means finding it in smaller, everyday ways, like having a coffee date with your best friend, your roommate bringing you soup when you’re sick, or the satisfaction of finishing a paper you thought would destroy you. It’s self-love, community love, and all the messy, real parts in between.
The truth is, the new version of “chic” isn’t about having someone to match outfits with; it’s about becoming someone you’re proud to be. It’s about owning your time, your space, your heart, and your future.
So if you’re walking across campus with your headphones in, smiling at nothing, or treating yourself to dinner just because you can, you’re not missing out. You’re living the trend. Right now, being single isn’t a waiting room. It’s the main event.