What do actresses Emma Watson and Jennifer Aniston have in common? They are both single. "I never believed the whole 'I'm happy single' spiel," Watson said in a 2019 interview. "I was like, 'This is totally spiel.' It took me a long time, but I'm very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered." And they are not the only ones who manage to enjoy life without a partner.
Recently, a now-deleted Reddit user posted a question on the platform, asking: "What is a reason you are glad to be single?" Answers immediately started flooding in. As of now, the thread has over 13,000 comments, providing an interesting insight into the lives of singles. From being able to sleep in the middle of the bed to not being forced to hang out with someone else's friends, here are some of the most popular replies.
#1
I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. If I want to stay up late, I can. If I want to buy something, I can. If I want to watch a movie, I can. If I feel like listening to music, I can. If I feel like reorganizing or redecorating my apartment, I can. I can choose how I use my time. I can choose how I spend my money. I can choose how I save my money. Do I feel lonely? I’ll admit it, sometimes I do. But I have good friends. If I feel like hanging out with my friends, if someone wants to hang out with me, I can. If I don’t feel like going out, I can stay home.
Image credits: photon3on
#2
God, I remember rushing home every day because if I was even 5 minutes late getting in the door, I would have to explain myself. Then I would walk in perfectly on time and he’d still be in a horrible mood. Now I can spend the whole day driving around doing absolutely nothing and I don’t have to explain it to anybody and going home is actually an enjoyable thought.
Image credits: Seducedbyfish
#3
Honestly, being single allowed me to put more focus on finishing my undergrad degree, which I just did last week.
Image credits: njf175
#4
I don't like spending time with people. I have 1 friend I see once every 2 weeks and that's enough socialising for me
Image credits: MajesticPopcorn
#5
I don’t have to worry about what I look like or what I’m wearing while I’m just chilling on my days off. Hair up in a messy bun, no makeup, no pants, no problem.
Image credits: not-a-real_username
#6
Wanna watch a movie? I pick what I want and don’t have to debate what we’re both in the mood for, or whose turn it is to pick, or “I don’t like scary movies, let’s watch a rom-com!” Wanna get something to eat? I go get what sounds good to me and don’t have to hem and haw for an hour over what sounds good to you but not to me, then me but not you, and then finally settle on something that neither of us really wants but we can both deal with when all I want in this world is sushi. Wanna sleep till noon on my day off then get up and just play video games all afternoon? My choice and mine alone and nobody can try to shame me for it, or complain that I’m not paying attention to them. Having an off day and don’t feel like talking at all or expressing my feelings? I don’t have to talk to anyone or feel pressured to “open up” to them because we’re dating.
Image credits: DomLite
#7
Learned to love myself without needing anyone else’s words of affirmation after being single for the first time in a few years.
Image credits: FinalTourist
#8
I read this article a while ago that really clarified my feelings on this. Studies show that people who are married are, on average, slightly happier than people who are not married. Which has been known for a long time, so people have sort of internalized the idea that marriage equals happiness. But when you break down the numbers in that, what it actually looks like is that people in happy marriages are much happier than everyone else and people in unhappy marriages are much less happy than everyone else. So being in a good relationship is the best situation. But being single is the second-best, and far better than being in a bad relationship. So to me, it’s like not the very best, but it is the second-best and that’s pretty good. It’s like you don’t have a Jaguar but you have a Honda, and it’s reliable and gets you where you need to go. And at least you’re not driving a car from the ’70s with a leak in the fuel-line and a plastic Jaguar-sculpture taped on the hood.
Image credits: TheBaddestPatsy
#9
I can eat a sandwich or popcorn for dinner if that’s what I want.
Image credits: momination
#10
I’m not a huge fan of the single life, but in the past when I’ve been in a relationship, I always felt like I needed to check my phone 24/7. I like being able to just chill and play video games, watch a movie, or hang out with friends without checking my phone constantly.
Image credits: RealECW
#11
I was engaged but broke it off in July after putting up with a lot of disrespect from him and his family. I had quite a bit of money put aside for our wedding, but now I can spend it on things I’ve wanted for a very long time. I am finally taking care of myself and learning more about who I am as an individual instead of being someone’s fiancée.
Image credits: celestialnight994
#12
I don’t want to take into account someone else’s wants and needs when making life decisions.
Image credits: maraca101
#13
As someone who got out of a 3-year-long relationship about 4 months ago, I would say one of the biggest things that makes me happy about being single is being able to see myself clearly again, you don’t realize how much being in a relationship can blind you to how you’ve changed, or how love can numb you to certain things. When I got out of that relationship and once the initial crying and being depressed phase ended, I slowly realized how much happier I was and how much I’ve changed, some of it good and some bad, but it was like being able to see myself through a clear lens and not through a distorted one.
Image credits: mercury111111111
#14
Call me selfish, but I like the freedom to wake up and go to sleep when I want to, to decorate and organize my home (that I bought and paid off on my own) as I like, to make my plans and schedule as I see fit, to watch/read/play whatever I want, to buy and wear whatever I want, to cook and eat whatever I want (and not have to share), and to make long term financial and career goals without having to worry about it conflicting with someone else’s.
Image credits: kokoromelody
#15
I learned who I am after I decided to stop dating. It’s been 4 years being single, and I really love who I’ve become. I was able to establish myself, my goals, and who I want to be.
Image credits: kylo_drew
#16
That fear of coming home just for the sake of not knowing your significant other’s mood and being extra cautious to not trigger anything in any way. Then struggling to find out if it’s a good day and I am expected to say hi with a kiss or a bad day and I’m expected to not interrupt them at all, such a bad feeling. I am just learning to love coming home again.
Image credits: ElDschi
#17
I’ve been in a toxic relationship before, and I still think it’s better to be alone than to be stuck with the wrong person. I’m not sorry that I had the experience, but I am glad it’s behind me. Now hopefully I can find something better.#18
Christmas is coming and I have no stress and it's not expensive#19
Stuff in my home is exactly where I left it. I’m not actually single but this is what I remember from when I was. Other people have all kinds of weird habits that make your life difficult. Want to wash a pan? Someone’s filled the sink with plates! Go to find your keys? Someone couldn’t find theirs and has borrowed yours and thinks they may be in their coat pocket! Where’s the coat? They can’t remember!
Image credits: bsnimunf
#20
You don’t have to remember trivial dates, buy extra gifts during holidays or for specific people, no need to justify my purchases, share food, or even decide on food.
Image credits: UBootCaptain
#21
Flirting is soooo much fun. Plus the possibility of being in a new relationship is something to look forward to! It’s fantastic.
Image credits: F22man
#22
I have been single most of my adult life and I find it really annoying when I am living with a partner. I had a partner who snored and that really affected me with the lack of sleep I was getting. You get set in your ways then all of a sudden you have someone wanting you to do a whole bunch of things another way. I don’t necessarily prefer to be single, but I prefer to live on my own.
Image credits: 11015h4d0wR34lm
#23
I have been single for the last 10 years. All my money is mine. All my time is mine. All my attention goes where I want it to go. I just try to get fulfillment in life.
Image credits: Nope_Nope_Nope_0
#24
Got off work at an indecent hour? I don’t have to sneak into bed and then have an awkward conversation that I’m too tired to have when I wake them up and they ask what time it is, and why I’m so late, and what kept me, and how was my day, when the only thing I want to do is close my eyes and rest.
Image credits: DomLite
#25
I can sleep in the middle of the bed with the fan on if I want. I can also leave something on the table, come back 2 weeks later, and it is still there.
Image credits: GoatSculpture
#26
I have so many hobbies. When I was in a relationship I couldn’t do any of them. I even had a hard time making time for school work. Now that I’m out of a relationship, I’ve been playing music, painting, coding, etc. Literally today I finished designing and making the wooden case for some headphones I’m making.
Image credits: artisnotdefined
#27
I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, without checking in with anyone. Also, no woman should have to be subjected to my toxic family.
Image credits: yeetg**mcnechass
#28
My apartment is clean and neat and most importantly, 95% empty.
Image credits: TheCrimsonChariot
#29
I’d rather be single than be with someone who doesn’t appreciate my love and affection.
Image credits: sinderella666×0x
#30
I get to play video games, watch movies, build the most expensive Lego sets, and focus on my job a lot more — totally uninterrupted. I hate having to check my phone constantly because I might miss my partner’s texts and have to deal with a stupid argument. Not saying all partners are like that, just in my experience.
Image credits: Meese46290
#31
The only things stressing me are my own stressors. I don’t have to help support someone else through theirs.
Image credits: 01kaj10
#32
I never want to turn the key in the door and have to worry about what is going on, on the other side again. I don’t want to have to manage another’s emotions or walk on eggshells. I love the peace that my space is mine alone. I also hate the obligations that tend to come with relationships. I don’t want to attend other people’s events, or buy presents for in-laws, etc. Basically, I’m selfish.
Image credits: UnfeelingSelfishGirl
#33
I have a queen bed and I can use one half to sleep and the other half for books and my Nintendo switch. My bed is the best nightstand for all my books when I’m too lazy to get up on weekends. No one is there that I have to move stuff over for so they can sleep.#34
I can save money. Other than rent, utilities, and gas I only spent $50 on food in the past 3 months.#35
No drama over where to spend the holidays.#36
I can only hang with my friends when I want to. I am an introvert and used to date an extrovert who couldn’t get through one weekend without going out/socializing at least 5x. He’d insist on dragging me along on or invite his friends over. That was horrible for me, I just wanted to relax on my own or spend quality time together instead of having to entertain guests that weren’t even nice to me half the time.#37
I can do whatever I want and not feel guilty about spending time with no one.#38
I can sleep in the middle of the bed with the fan on if I want. I can also leave something on the table and come back two weeks later and it is still there.#39
No longer being forced to hangout with their friends.#40
A lot of people I know who've ruined their lives did so over a lover. Whether trying to get one, keep them, or fighting someone else over them, relationships can be very dangerous if you're too emotionally immature.#41
Freaking freedom I love the single life.#42
I'm naturally very empathetic and a people pleaser. It's a part of my brain that goes into hyperdrive when I'm with someone I like. It's not even conscious most of the time, but it can be exhausting. It's nice that my brain can turn that part off when I'm alone. Also I can wake up and go to sleep at any time I want without messing up my SO's sleeping patterns. And middle of the bed! And not needing to check in with his plans.#43
I was engaged but broke it off in July after putting up with a lot of disrespect from him and his family. I had quite a bit of money saved aside for our wedding but now I can spend it on things I’ve wanted for a very long time. I am finally taking care of myself and learning more about who I am as an individual instead of being someone’s fiancé.#44
I don’t want to take into account someone else’s wants and needs when making life decisions. I just graduated from college during Covid and I’m so lost so I don’t want to have a partner until I’m less lost.#45
No longer feel like I’m dragging a dead body behind me through life.#46
I’ve had some really abusive relationships, singleness = safety#47
No one can cheat on/ abuse me.#48
Despite the woeful lack of sex, being single means I get to spend my money on my own stuff.#49
Being able to save#50
It's selfish, but I get to do whatever I want to do and nothing I don't. Feels good.#51
Peace. I am (re) learning how to live without walking on eggshells, jumping to meet a communicated need, and constantly doing xyz so as to avoid ‘trouble’. It’s been a challenge to learn to relax and get to know myself again. (58 f divorced from an 18 year marriage)#52
I visited a friend in Nashville back at the beginning of the year. I’d been there for all of four hours when this little voice in my head went, “You belong here.” So I’m moving there next summer.Probably wouldn’t be able to do that if I wasn’t single.
#53
I can play video games till 5 am and no one will be mad#54
I compromise for noone. I enjoy my own company.It amazes me that anyone finds the time to make a relationship work in hindsight.
#55
I don't have to talk to anyone daily. I don't have to check in on someone and care for what they are doing. I can literally hermit in my room, binge watch TV shows for a week straight, and not message a single person or have anyone bothering me. It's truly wonderful just having to live and care for myself.I love having my alone time and recharge time. Talking to someone every day would interfere with that.
#56
I genuinely prefer it to be honest, I don't have to answer to anyone as an adult and I love that. I think I'll want to settle down eventually, but not for a while.#57
I can buy chunky peanut butter without getting grief.#58
I can talk to myself aloud and it won’t seem weird to anyone. If someone else is around when you talk to yourself, you’re a nutcase, but if no one hears you, it’s fine.#59
As a married man (with kids), this is probably what I miss the most. Especially kids man. It’s one thing to have a partner around to have to get permission from to do things, but kids is a whole different story. No matter what I want to do tonight, my kid is going to wake up at 7 a.m. Needs to be changed, fed, etc.#60
I’m learning to navigate the world through the lens of my own needs and desires without worrying how I’m being perceived by a partner.I do not believe I will be a good person to be in a relationship until I can do that- so I’m happy to struggle with it.
Also I really love dancing poorly to LCD sound system while my dog watches with fear and judgement in his eyes. Not that I couldn’t do that before... it’s just so free to do it in my own apartment alone.
#61
Not having to deal with partners leaving you completely unfulfilled and always putting their bullsh*t above you. Not having to argue to exist in the ways you do because their insecurities and lack of self worth smother your joy.#62
On a day to day basis, I struggle less with feelings of guilt. There are things one misses out on by not being in a relationship, but not beating yourself up over a snappish reply or a thoughtless gesture towards someone you care about are not among them.#63
Now that I am single, no one can drink, get DUI’s, use all my money to pay their fines, cheat on me, leave me, falsely accuse me abusing my children in order to not have to pay child support and sue me for divorce. So there’s that.#64
I can come home and unwind and not hear someone else tell me about their s***y day or remind me about the dishes in the sink or the laundry or the things we need to do or places we need to go. My life is stressful enough with just me and my job in it. Another person might drive me [freaking] bats*** right now honestly#65
Dating apps and all of the stupid and ridiculous made up rules people think are gospel for dating. No thanks!!! I'm perfectly happy on my own. Not interested in the games and nonsense.#66
Sometimes, I worry about being single. Then, I remember my parents, and how they’ve been at each other’s throats for all my life. Dying alone then seems like a blessing. Not screaming at my partner all the time...no kids to traumatize with all the aforementioned screaming...bliss.#67
I don’t have to live in anxiety 24/7#68
Getting a good night sleep in the same bed with another person is kind of a c***shoot with me.#69
Been single my entire 27 years of life but i guess being that im introvert i like that i don't have to keep up with texts or phone calls.#70
I can eat a pb & j or popcorn for dinner if that's what I want.#71
Spent many years letting partners treat me poorly because I didn’t value myself, and I’d jump from one to the next. I told myself in August 2019 I was going to do a 1 year break from dating. It’s December and I’ve extended it because I’m so happy and I’ve started to appreciate my value.It’s a dope feeling, and I recommend anyone who bases their value solely on others treatment of them in romantic relationship to do the same.
#72
I've been in a toxic relationship before, and I still think it's better to be alone than to be stuck with the wrong person. I'm not sorry that I had the experience, but I am glad it's behind me. Now hopefully I can find something better.#73
Sometimes you just need to be alone and have time with yourself and reflect. You can't do that when you're in a relationship you just can't cut yourself off the grid and be alone. In a relationship you're constantly in communication with your s.o. and can't abruptly go dark. Single you can do so and spend all the quality time you need by yourself.from Bored Panda https://bit.ly/3iy8ZGL
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