It's okay to be single

Considering it recently being Valentine’s Day, I decided to focus on the positive aspects of being a single woman when surrounded by those who are in love. It may seem depressing, empowering, or both depending on your outlook, perspective, or perhaps even the way you were raised. Regardless of what you may think of your relationship identification, I think it’s important to realize that you should not let the happiness or life of others impact yours in a negative way. If your friends are happy and in love, you should be happy for them. If seeing your friends happy and in love upsets you or makes you jealous, then it honestly means you are not a very good friend. Personally I don’t care much for this holiday. In fact, even when I was in a long-term relationship, I didn’t find much significance in the day. The only important aspect of the holiday had to do with the fulfilment of my sweet tooth. I especially loved the day after Valentine’s Day because everything would be on a fifty percent discount. So, don’t let this holiday period bring you down. If it does bring you down, just know that one day there will be a person in your life who will appreciate even the most miniscule of things about you. 

I am a single woman. I don’t have a relationship and I actually don’t plan to have one for some time.

I think love and romance is very sweet when it does come around or if it happens to someone close to me like a friend or family member, but I don’t think I have time or patience to commit to anyone other than myself right now. Reading this probably gives the impression that I am selfish. It’s most likely accurate to get this impression. I have this outlook on any potential romance that may come around because I think now is the best time to find myself and really figure out who I am as a person. I have discovered more about myself as a single woman than I have from when I was either dating or in a committed relationship. Mind you, this is from a first-hand experience. If you are in a committed relationship, you have most likely discovered who you are with the help of your partner. For me, it didn’t work this way. I think it may have to do with my personality, but I’m not sure. Regardless, I am a happy single woman. I have freedoms. I have been productive. I have plenty of time to take care of myself. I don’t have to worry about trivial things such as getting worked up over a text message or a few missed calls. I am just focusing on me and I think at this point in my life, it’s the best time to be doing this. 

I identify as a solo traveler.

This to many, seems intimidating. In fact for many of you, the mere thought of traveling anywhere by yourself may seem haunting. I want to share with you why I think it is so wonderful to be a woman and travel to a foreign country by yourself. Imagine boarding a plane, a bus, or a train by yourself. You are sitting down, looking out the window, and anticipating your destination. There’s a feeling in the pit of your stomach. It’s the kind of feeling you get before a job interview, before a first kiss, or before a date with someone special. It’s a little nerve wrecking, but it’s exciting. There is a slight mystery to what happens after the interview, the kiss, or the date. That is what makes it so thrilling. The combination of anxiety and excitement brings your adrenaline up and you get this chemical reaction that is difficult to put into words. That feeling is what I get every time I travel somewhere by myself. Whenever I go to Rome or the time I went to Berlin by myself, I get that feeling. When I finally arrive at my destination, I’m excited. I get to decide where to go, what to see, how long I will be at certain locations. It’s all up to me.
Honestly, the only hard part about traveling by myself is the picture taking. You may have seen the photos of me standing or sitting in front of structures or places? I took those images by setting up a timer on my camera then running and posing. I know it is very strange and unusual, but you got to do what you got to do. Since I am by myself, I have no other choice. It is true, I can ask someone to take it for me but I choose not to. Aside from the difficulty in picture-taking, I enjoy the walking around and exploring. I enjoy observing others while I walk or sit and eat. I feel empowered by traveling in this way. I have traveled around with friends and with family. Traveling with friends is way more fun than with family but I have a better time when I am by myself. When traveling with other people, I find it more difficult to try to meet other travelers or locals. When by myself, I got to meet way more people than I have in all my traveling experiences combined. I enjoy talking to people and learning a few things about them. I regret not documenting these interactions, but I have made it my goal to begin doing so. This may seem strange in the way I have decided to go about seeing the world, but it is the best way I could have chosen. I hope this makes you think about the next time you travel, whether that is alone or with others. Regardless, thank you for reading. Stay positive.