Status: Single

Status: Single

Jay B. Sentillas

Staying single or the state of being single is a hard-enough truth to swallow for those who do not want to be single and are more than willing to lay their cards on the table to get hitched. For all those who are single, there are only two things at play in your reality; it is either a definite choice or a product of one’s untoward circumstances that never really played out well. Chances are, one who is actually single can hardly explain why they remain in that limbo unless they assertively tell you that it is, “none of your business!” Even still, nowadays, not unless, 85% of the world’s population belonged to those who have challenged themselves to serve a higher calling which is of course, not the case for everyone, then being single remains to either be a mystery or a choice.

A lot of pet talks, if you’ve come across any, awkwardly remind you: “You are a beautiful person, there is nothing wrong about you. You just have different priorities, right? I like you but not like a different kind of like that you like. Stay positive. That someone would be the luckiest in the world to have someone like you. Somewhere, sometime, somehow, you’ll find the right one. Give it time. Maybe, not now but sooner or later, let’s just hope it’s sooner.” So, what’s with being single? Based from my personal experience and social experiment randomly hanging out with single people, here’s a few perks about their being single:

Time. Definitely, time. “Me Time” is something that a lot of us struggle with, both the single ones and especially those that aren’t. It’s all about having to manage or not, the time that you have for work and recreation – whichever applies. Being single means you can set the time for what works for you and be less considerate about other priorities second only to your interests. Time for travel, recreation, self and others are just a few.

Travel. Exciting destinations, breath-taking views, and new must-go-to places to mark your selfie-grounds for Instagram await you. Get to all the highest peaks you can climb, dive the deeps you can wave your way in, bike nature’s miles through roads and trails, or bask on that fine white sand under the heat of the sun as hot as you are; if that’s in for you then get that passport booked right on time! In a jiffy, everything else can seem so reachable wherever it may be simply because you only have to think about yourself and your luggage.

Space. Distance is not something one would want from others but to some point, physical space apart from others is important too. Keep in mind that beyond the hectic lifestyle everyone else is in need to be away from the usual people around them for some soul-searching and some purpose-driven this and that, is something everybody can wish for but can’t always have – some physical space for the self and the self alone!

Shopping. Pastimes like this are a means of compensation, somewhat a form of self-reward for those who take it as so. It is perfectly okay to give a little something for the self especially if the want for it is also a bit of a need and the budget says, “It’s perfectly fine.” Window shopping is a worthwhile experience for those who manage their resources well – time and budget.

Hanging Out. Teenagers do this, everybody does this. It’s never too late to hang out with friends or open up to people and try out different circles. Be as cozy around the company of anyone who would welcome you. It’s definitely “A-okay” to be with a different group than your usual company, if you’re in to that. Discover other people’s passion and share the same interests to bring out a totally and socially well-rounded you as I have been around these other circles to see the lime lights on being single.

Budget. The single, work! It is for certain that most single people have commensurate stable jobs. Considering one only has to think of his/her own baggage is something that one is completely over what others can’t. Talk about other needs, one’s salary can buy. It’s no issue! And for those who landed on really good career stops, the shoes, the bag, the outfit, even so the car, apartment or better yet, your own house and condo, not to mention other investments on a single person’s short or long term goal is something one might reconsider to think about.

Voice. Dependent on how people strike at it, single people in the family circle do have a voice considering their status as mostly the bread-winner of the family. They mainly become the captain of the ship and so goes all the loads of cargo on them. But whenever decisions need to be weighed and the odds of finalizing things become a bit uneven, the single voice of the family has the say on things.

Admiration. A little inspiration wouldn’t hurt and for some reason, the heart can grow fonder. You can claim all the crushes in the world without feeling guilty about it and that means anyone you like, since of course, a true single person is not bound to one other being in the cosmic universe of love. Yes, others may have a say on your preferences but at least, one need not feel bad over crushing on someone and commitment over this is no issue either. Whether it’s that officemate, past colleague, childhood friend, or that other neighbor next door, there’s no telling who you might possibly bat your eyes on. A single person can channel his or her energy to some divine right on ownership over the feeling of having being admired or admiring some random stranger walking past them.

So, why--single and not taken 'til now? Who's askin? It's not a race. Well, being single is not being alone nor is it the choice to be so. Surely, it should become a mystery all on its own. In a way, when one is single, one always has the opportunity to value and share their time with others. Talk with them and shed light on what they do not see. I know I always do. That's a gift not everyone has. It's a privilege. So, while there is no telling when you’ll actually have someone beside you for the rest of your life, then allow others to Experience the Unique Single You. It is an opportunity to tell the world, my Status is Single and I am livin' it!