One thing I noticed a few years after I stopped regarding the opposite sex as smelly, germ-ridden nuisances is that people seem to think a woman needs a man in her life to be happy.
More specifically, if you claim you're genuinely happy and you happen to be a single woman, you must be lying because there is no way you can be absolutely, 100 percent happy AND single.
Well, I'm here to say f*ck that. As a single woman, I can tell you it is possible. I have never had a relationship and I will admit that yes, sometimes, us single women do get a little lonely, but that doesn't mean we aren't happy, too.
In fact, the majority of the time, I don't think about relationships — whether that means wanting one or not wanting one. It's simply something that is not constantly on my mind.
The only time I find myself wishing for someone to be there with me and for me is during important life milestones, like funerals, weddings, family gatherings, etc.
And, very occasionally, late at night, when I'm laying alone in my pathetic single bed. Other than that, it's just not something I let occupy my mind.
Society, however, seems to believe relationships complete people and that finding someone just for you will complete you and make you happy. But, growing up as the perpetual single girl of my group taught me a few things:
1. Being in a relationship isn't a priority.
Actually, make that being in a relationship should never be a priority because there are things far more important than changing your Facebook relationship status and taking selfies together on Instagram.
Work, school and family should be some of your top priorities.
2. Don't settle.
Date someone who really amazes and intrigues you. Only date people to whom you're genuinely attracted. Don't get me wrong; personality is definitely important, but so is sexual attraction.
Don't date the guy who wears socks and sandals just because he's available. I've seen far too many girls settle just because.
3. Be comfortable being alone.
Once you've mastered being happy and comfortable, doing simple things on your own — like going to the movies, eating out and grabbing coffee — you realize you don't need someone to be there with you for these things.
You can do these things independently and still thoroughly enjoy them.
4. Your worth isn't measured by the number of relationships you've had.
Just because you've been single for the majority of your years since reaching an acceptable age of dating does not mean you're not worth it.
The number of people with whom you've shared your time does not equal your worth by any means. If anyone ever makes you feel otherwise, ditch him or her... like yesterday.
It is now 2015 and things are much different than they were in the 1950s, when a woman's life revolved around getting married and being a perfect housewife.
This means society really needs to let women celebrate their singledom instead of making them feel like they're incomplete without a relationship.
I thoroughly enjoy my solo time. I enjoy not having to make "exciting" plans or get dressed up to go out when really I just want to sit at home, eating Smartfood popcorn, marathoning movies in my sweatpants. I like being alone and I like being single. And no, I am not lonely.
Being single does not, nor should ever, equate being lonely because when you're truly comfortable with yourself and your solitude, it's hard to be lonely.
"Single is not a status; it is a word that describes a person who is strong enough to live and enjoy life without depending on others.” -- Unknown
