Being single enables you to experience all that life has to offer without having to compromise. And, later in life, it can be a time for exploration and an opportunity to grow. To mark Singles Awareness Day, here are 10 reasons being single in your 50s is fantastic…
1. You get to improve your relationship with yourself
It may sound silly, but the relationship you have with yourself is the most important of all. You can’t truly be happy with somebody else if you’re not happy with yourself.
2. Your relationships with your friends and family will become stronger
Research has proven single people are more likely to stay in touch with their siblings, parents, neighbours and friends than their married counterparts. Being in a romantic relationship can mean that your platonic relationships become neglected. Becoming single is a great opportunity to really work on your friendships and build quality relationships with people you care about.
3. You’re allowed to be selfish
.. In the best possible way! Often when we’re in couples, we must compromise our own dreams and ambitions for the good of the relationship, whereas single people are in a position to do whatever they want (especially if you have grown-up children). This is the perfect time to focus on yourself and what makes YOU happy! From little things like picking a film to watch to much bigger choices like where you want to live – it’s all up to you.
4. You’ll stay fitter
A survey revealed that of those who don’t get enough exercise, 73% were married. Being in a comfortable relationship often means a few too many snacks in front of the TV and not enough exercise. On the other hand being single means you’re much more likely to establish a great exercise routine.
5. You’re more likely to pursue your hobbies
If you’re newly single, you might notice that your productivity levels soar. When you’re suddenly minus a significant other, you’ll have so much more time to dedicate to doing the things you enjoy! Perhaps now’s the time to start that craft business you’ve always dreamt of?
6. No arguments! Hooray
A 2015 New Zealand study suggests that people who strive to avoid conflict are just as happy being single as those in relationships. While relationships are great for many people, for some they can be a source of hurt and conflict.
7. Better job satisfaction
Research undertaken in 2005 suggests that single people may be happier at work. When you’re in a serious relationship, it can be difficult to balance everything with your career. For instance – your spouse might be expecting you to come home for dinner but your boss has asked you to prepare a big presentation for the next morning, so your allegiances are tied. When you’re single, you can focus entirely on doing a great job without feeling guilty about that dinner getting cold. Phew!
8. You’ll save more money and money stresses
Sharing your bank account with another person means you don’t necessarily get to spend all your money on the things you really want. A 2014 study revealed that 33% of people with joint accounts had lied to their partners about money.
9. You’ll get better ZZZZZZ
Fresh linen, a good book and a bed all to one’s self. Ah bliss. No duvet hogg, no lying awake listening someone else’s snoring, no feeling guilty because you’ve still got your bedside lamp on. Sleeping alone is certainly one of the great virtues of single life.
10. You could be less lonely
“It’s an incorrect assumption that people in long-term romantic relationships aren’t lonely and single people, by default, are,” says writer Terric Trespicio. When you’re in a relationship, it becomes very easy to rely on one person for all your emotional support – so you feel at a loss when that one person isn’t there. Conversely, when you’re out of a relationship, you don’t expect one person to fulfil all your emotional demands therefore you have a wider bank of people to talk to.
So there you have it – here’s to being independent!
