Things I Learned About Relationships from Being Single

Being single is amazing. Of course, being in a relationship is great, too. So great... But the single life is honestly the best life. You become an independent human being who isn't strapped down to just one person. You can flirt and have sex with whoever you want without having that guilty voice nagging you from the back. And you can tell that voice to just STFU because you're single and ready to mingle! Did I mention you don't have to impress anyone anymore? Dress like a slob and eat like a pig — no one is there to judge you.

But as much as we love being single, there's a lot you can learn about relationships from a single's point of view. Your friend is in a relationship (who cares, right?) and he/she always comes up to you to vent or ask for advice when it comes to his/her significant other. Even after a break up, you learn why their relationship didn't last long. Screw them!

OK, let's settle down. But in actuality, there are things I learned about relationships from being single — and you can compare them with your current relationship, or if you're single, you'll see what I mean.

You’re the only one who can make yourself happy.

Let's start off with one of the most important points out of the things I learned about relationships from being single. Many people don’t believe this is true, but it is. You're literally the only one who can make yourself happy.

Since you’re the one who’s upset about something, you know exactly what you want and how to turn things around for yourself. You can’t keep relying on others to make you happy — they don’t entirely know what you need. But rather, you know what you need to make yourself happy.

That's right, this is for you single people out there — you make yourself happy.

It’s better to be single than be in a bad relationship.

I cannot express how accurate this is. And if you’re with me, amen!

No one wants to be in a bad relationship — no one! Who cares if the girl or boy you’re dating is super hot, if they’re treating you poorly, you shouldn’t be with them any longer. You don't deserve a bad relationship and if I were you, I wouldn't hold on any longer. Not only is it not worth it, but the relationship can actually affect you in certain ways. So, dump their ass!

But when single, you don’t have to deal with a negative, douchebag of a partner. Like I said previously, you can make yourself happy — even tell yourself you’re beautiful in front of a mirror! We all need a bit of ego boosting every now and then.

Finding love isn’t a race, it’s a walk.

This is really, really important to acknowledge from the things I learned about relationships from being single. Finding love should never be rushed — love happens on its own. Also, forcing love won’t be the love you’re looking for — it might even be the opposite.

I know so many people... many people who are stressing that they aren't in a relationship yet. They practically devote half of their time finding someone — why? Everyone is supposed to live in the present and enjoy what life throws at you.

So, when it comes to finding love, you want to take your time. Because patience is a virtue and love is the prize.

Don’t settle down if you’re not ready yet.

Out of the things I learned about relationships from being single, this one surely stands out.

For the people out there who are in a relationship but don’t want to settle down just yet, yes, this one’s for you! If your partner is on top of you about settling down, getting married, having kids, and everything else that adults somehow do and you’re nowhere near ready for all of that — it’s 100 percent understandable.

No matter how many years you’re with your partner, two or even ten years, there are people who just don’t want to take their relationship to the next level just yet. Also, have your partner become aware of your opinion and thoughts about it, then he/she should start to be at your pace.

Plus marriage is a huge step in life — not to mention… having kids… Definitely wait if you’re not ready.

Personal space is important every now and then.

This is a great point from the things I learned about relationships from being single — space. We all need personal space... we seriously do. Just to be alone and listen to the silence is what almost everyone needs to do now and then. Dine alone, watch TV alone — people need a break from their significant other in life. That’s what makes a healthy relationship.

But if you’re constantly up your partner’s butt everyday, the two of you can easily be bored of each other and possibly… break up. Always find time for yourself.

And this does not mean go out there and flirt with other people. You still should be faithful to your partner, you just need some you time.

All relationships are different.

Don't expect your previous relationship to be the same as your current one. Since everyone in this world is a different human being, every relationship is different.

You could be talking to someone who’s really shy and quiet or someone who’s outgoing and socializes a lot — both of them are living completely different lives. You can enjoy your relationship with the quiet one more than the outgoing one, it's possible.

A relationship doesn’t come with specific regulations — other than staying loyal, communicating, etc. But there isn’t a proper way to carry on a relationship. That’s what makes every relationship unique from the other.

And honestly, if every relationship was the same as others, we'd all be living in a cycle of nightmares.

Communicate!

Oh my God — communicate, communicate, communicate! This is seriously the most important aspect of the things I learned about relationships from being single. And honestly, it’s not a true relationship without some communication happening.

You get to know each other, you learn their pet peeves, you tell them what’s wrong — communication is KEY. This is a significant characteristic of just being human. The two of you basically become one through conversing and speaking to one another.

And if you don’t communicate with your partner, how would he/she know what you like, what’s wrong with you, and everything else that falls in the same selection as knowing someone.

If there are complications in your relationship and the two of you aren't speaking, be the bigger person, pimp slap yourself, and communicate with your partner to ease things down.

The person you thought was your soulmate, don’t always turn out to be.

I'm sorry, but this is true. If you're so deep in love with one person and you're so sure that he/she is your soulmate, it can possibly turn out the opposite from your expectations. People always do unexpected things, no matter how well you know them.

You're usually never aware of who your soulmate is. He might even walk right past you in the streets, or you're at the same party as her, but you can almost never tell.

The love of your life will most likely appear out of no where at any time in your life — it just takes patience.

Single people can give great advice.

Never ever underestimate single people! And when it comes to advice giving, they always look at it from outside the relationship — from a more reasonable perspective.

Some single people never takes sides when it comes to advice giving — they're giving suggestions that will make the two of you fall into an agreement.

But there are singles who certainly takes your side if your partner is the one at fault. So, don't be upset if you're the single one in your group — your buddies will most likely come up to you for any relationship advice.

Let go of the past.

This is truly an important point to know from the things I learned about relationships from being single — letting go.

Whether the previous relationship you were in was a great one or a bad experience, it's always important to move on. Even if you were severely affected by it, it's considered part of the past now.

Moving on will not only make you happy again, but you'll be more open to new relationships and meeting new people. I understand that it's tough to simply let go, but start off slowly. Holding onto the past and dragging it with you into the present will lead you to nowhere and will affect your future, as well.

So, please, let go of all past relationships, flip them off, and look at the future and what's to come.