4 Things Single People Should Keep In Mind To Survive Engagement Season

Engagement season begins on Thanksgiving and ends on Valentine's Day.

This is the time of the year most men get down on one knee in hopes of living the rest of their lives with their significant others.

For those who are single, love may be in the air, but that doesn’t mean you're breathing the wrong kind of air.

Being single during this time may offer a period of introspection.

You may be envious of your friends getting hitched when you read their romantic engagement stories on social media, but it is important to not dwell on these feelings.

Don’t have these emotions turn into negative or distorted thoughts like, "No one wants me," or "I'll never find love."

Relationship expert April Masini says:

Jealousy over other people in love is a signal that you want that for yourself. That’s not a bad thing — unless you stop there. Use the feeling as an impetus to change yourself, your life and your relationship status. Behind every negative feeling is an opportunity to evolve.

Take the time to focus on the positives to give you a better perspective of your single life.

Write a daily gratitude list, and remember what is working well in your life.

Instead of wallowing, do something nice for yourself, like investing in a gift or a vacation with a friend.

Give yourself something to look forward to. Who knows? This new experience may lead to something.

Focus your energy on what makes you happy.

The more you are enjoying your life, the less time you will have to notice or be bothered by what is going on in other people’s lives.

Also, don’t compare yourself to others.

Just because others around you are getting engaged, it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you.

By comparing yourself to others, you rob yourself of finding happiness, and you may rush yourself into something you don’t want.

It can be challenging to see friends and acquaintances make the ultimate commitment.

So on the flip side, here are four benefits of being single:

1. No Routine

For better or worse, when you get into a relationship, patterns start to emerge.

You may go to the same restaurant every Wednesday night, or you may have game night with another couple every Saturday night.

Being single allows you a little more freedom to enjoy the variety of trying and doing new things.

2. Being Independent

Being single means you are truly independent.

No one is keeping tabs on you, telling you where to go or what to wear.

You don’t have to check in if you want to go out with friends, and you don't have to update your significant other on your every move.

So if you enjoy doing your own thing, relish the time you are not linked to a ball and chain.

3. Being Yourself

Relationships mean accommodation.

If you are not ready to tie the knot with that special someone, you still can be yourself.

You don’t have to fear losing that part of yourself you will eventually no longer have in a relationship.

Take the time, and focus on who you really are.

4. Self-exploration

Discover the activities and interests that are the most meaningful to you.

This process allows you to develop a strong sense of what is important to you, which is key, as you must be content with yourself before entering a relationship (let alone getting hitched).

If you are looking to kick-start your single life in hopes of dropping down on one knee or being the recipient of such an act, don’t fall backward.

Don’t wallow during the cold and wintery months.

Go out more, meet new people and try new things. If swiping is your thing, keep swiping right.

Everyone deserves to find his or her special someone.

It may be time for you to wake up and realize love is in the air for you, not just for those surrounding you.