Since When Is Being Single A Character Flaw?

Single. A word so often associated with negative connotations. Single means being lonely, alone, bitter. But why?
 
Several weeks ago, I received a questionnaire geared towards single ladies asking questions along the lines of “Is being single as bad as it seems?” or “Why are you not in a relationship? Are you trying too hard?” The worst question out of all: “What are you doing wrong?”
 
It’s slightly upsetting to think that there are women who live with the distorted view that being in a relationship enhances character, that the word “relationship” is synonymous with value. There remains the perception that single life equates to personality defects; single girls must be single solely because no one likes them.
 
Is the concept of girls who remain single by choice really that unfathomable? Must we all be “taken”?
 
Women our age and even younger are constantly bombarded by magazines and blogs touting articles like “Where/How to Meet Your Future Boyfriend” or “What to Wear to Impress Guys,” drilling our minds with the notion that we ought to have or at least be looking for a partner. An unfortunate consequence of this is that there are girls who enter relationships for unfit reasons; they enjoy the comfort of knowing that they are not “alone” and the societal approval that comes with saying they’re someone’s girlfriend. I’ve encountered girls who, upon entering a relationship, post an incessant stream of pictures of their boyfriend/girlfriend as if they’re exclaiming “Look! There’s a person who likes me! I’m loved, I have visual proof! Please comment on how cute a couple we make! PLEASE.” In an age in which women run Fortune 500 companies and maintain distinguished careers, we should feel more empowered as females. A relationship is not a prerequisite for being a decent individual.
 
Personally, I have several close friends who are involved in serious relationships and have thus witnessed the glee that their relationships have provided them. Contrary to what you may believe after reading the previous material, I find their relationships to be extremely endearing and it brings a smile to my face when I see boyfriends do cute stuff for their girls. However, I have no desire to duplicate my friends’ relationships, especially at my age. Relationships work beautifully for them but they’re just not for me and I see nothing wrong with either choice.  
 
I should note that I have no intention to demote those seeking relationship—to each their own. I recognize that these are my opinions and that others think and act differently. What I hope to promote is the realization that not all single girls are desparate and senseless, a concept I thought was fairly obvious until I received that survey. Revel in the freedom that comes with being single and refuse to look down on yourself for it.
 
So for the ladies who are single and don’t mind a single bit (haha, pun), cheers to you.