Is it Better to Be Single or in a Relationship?

Is it Better to Be Single or in a Relationship?



Posted by James Lane for BounceBack.com


In honor of National Singles Week, we at Bounceback.com took a poll to find the answer to the question: is it better to be single or in a relationship?


When I checked the results this morning, I have to admit, I was very surprised that 90% of the answers was to be single. I was stunned because I honestly thought it was going to be a unanimous vote of "in a relationship".

In my mind, influenced by everyone I know, being in a relationship is the way to go. Hell, half of my high school graduating class is already married (and some with kids) while I am living in New York City, unattached and childless…well, that I know of.

I always felt like the odd man out, not wanting to be in a relationship at all. I enjoy my freedom, my friendships, and yes, even my selfishness. The fact that I can wake up on a Saturday morning whenever I want and do my own thing is priceless to me.

Related: The Benefits of Being Single

The main reasoning these people had to the answer was that when you are single, you have the time and flexibility to focus on yourself; the availability to have fun, to do what you want, and to figure out exactly what you are looking for.

One of my favorite responses was from Brandon Lagano, who said "being single allows you to explore so many venues and options in life without the consequences of another's feelings, where being in a relationship constricts you to make certain life decisions based on the intricacies of the relationship that you are in".

Brandon, who I contacted and probed for more questions, informed me that he spent most of his adult life in a relationship, and is now single and couldn't be happier. Sometimes, he says, it is better to be in a relationship to truly appreciate how awesome being single is. And I couldn't agree more.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Being Single Rocks

You need this time to be single, whether you are just getting out of a relationship, or if you have still yet to find that special someone. Being single is truly a gift - a gift which not many people have learned to appreciate.

They say the grass is always greener on the other side. We always want what we don't have. When we are single, we yearn for companionship. When we are dating someone, we crave those moments we can be alone and do our own thing.

But I believe the grass is always greener where you water it.

Related: Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side?

There are always going to be positives and negatives to each situation. There is nothing wrong with being in a relationship, just like there is nothing wrong with being single. You just have to find the benefits.

To read more from James, visit his website Expiration Dating.

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More articles on BounceBack.com:

10 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single

Giving Your Ex Another Shot: Good Idea or Bad Mistake?

5 Questions for the First Date