5 Reasons Being Single at 30 is Awesome

It’s that time of the year once again, where we get flanked by well-meaning relatives who ask about our love lives–or lack thereof.

I have been single my entire life: single since birth, no boyfriend since birth (or NBSB, for those who are more discreet about it), forever single, whatever you want to call it. I’m now 30, and it seems like people look at me more with pity because I’ve never been in a relationship. And I can tell you–family reunions can be a total pain when you’re being constantly 1) asked why you’re single and 2) reminded that your biological clock is ticking.

Sigh.

Well, now that I’m 30, I’ve grown to fully embrace my state of single blessedness. My titas might think that it’s the worst thing in the world, but I beg to totally disagree. I love being single, and I can confidently say that I’m completely happy at where I am now. Want to find out why? Here are five reasons being single at 30 is awesome:

1. You get to live the life you want.

I’ve discovered traveling in my mid-20s, and I just can’t get enough of it! I live for seat sales–both local and abroad–and I’m super happy that I get to hop on a plane and explore the world whenever I can afford it. Aside from that, I dedicate my weekdays to work and catching up with friends, and my weekends are for my hobbies and spending time with loved ones. This is the life that I want, and I’m super happy that I get to live it. I’m sure things I would have to make a few adjustments when I get to be in a relationship, and I’m just glad that I don’t have to choose now.

2. You get to focus on your career.

I see myself more as a working gal than as a mom–at least for now. I would like to have my own family when I’m ready, and I want to get all my career issues out of the way before then, so I’m glad to get to sort that out now. I don’t have qualms about working long shifts to get the job done, and I’m game with doing extra hours if I need more time to learn a couple of tasks at work. I’m glad that I have all the time in the world to invest building my career now, which might be an issue if I’m with someone.

3. You know yourself better.

I know I get easily irritated when I’m hungry, and I know that I had battled with tons of insecurities that I have only come to address now. I have learned to be more forgiving of myself, as well as to try more things that I were previously afraid of. I’m glad I get to have as much time as I want to pause and to reflect every now and then.

4. You don’t need someone to be happy.

I have come to accept and love myself through the years, and I am totally happy on my own. I’m perfectly happy puttering around at home on my own, traveling on my own, and just basically trying out new things on my own. I don’t need to depend on somebody else for happiness or for self-worth.

5. You know what you deserve in a relationship.

Now that I know myself better, I’m definitely not one to settle for a bad relationship just so I can change my relationship status on Facebook. I know what I want in men, and if my date (yes, I do go on dates from time to time–single girls are no hermits) is a complete jerk, then I’m not going to waste my time on him. I’d rather wait for Mr. Right than settle for Mr. Right Now because people think I’m too old to be single.

Here are just five reasons why it’s awesome to be a single lady. While being in a relationship has its own perks, I do appreciate singlehood and all its benefits, and I don’t think that’s something to feel bad about.