More people are choosing to be single, with research from Lloyds Bank revealing that over half (60%) of single adults in the UK have chosen the single lifestyle, with more women (66%) embracing it than men (53%). Lucy Vine, bestselling author of Hot Mess and proud singleton, discusses the nation’s top five reasons for being single and why she thinks more people are opting for the single’s life.
Relationships on Female First
Having the freedom to do what you want
I absolutely love having as much ‘me time’ as possible and not having to think about someone else when I’m making plans. I have brilliant friends and family, I love my work, I’ve written three bestselling books and I’m launching my fourth in 2020 - my life is full of excitement. Being single allows me to be entirely independent and in touch with my own emotions and gives me the opportunity to focus on me – my aspirations, my career and my personal development. It may come across to some people as selfish, but I’m the most important person in my life and I’ve never been happier!
Not having to deal with any relationship troubles
Sure, the honeymoon phase of a relationship seems fun, but arguments over where to go for dinner or whose turn it is to load the dishwasher are inevitable. Being single means avoiding all those unnecessary dramas and problems. I get to watch whatever my heart desires and eat whatever I want, without having to deal with the argument later on.
Being in control of your own finances
Not having to consider a partner when I’m thinking about where or how to spend my money is one of my biggest positives of being single, as well as not having to spend money on gifts for a partner at Christmas! Lloyds Bank research shows that we actually spend £300 less every month than those in a relationship. I find that I save much more money being single, which means I can use the extra catch to splurge on that pair of shoes I’ve been eyeing up or take myself on a mini break!
Not having to worry about a partner
I personally find being single is definitely a less stressful way to live my life! One of the best things about being single is not having to worry about someone else and being responsible for you and only you. I have a puppy called Ivy, and she is the coolest tiny person I’ve ever met – but she’s as much responsibility as I’m willing to take on. I’m too selfish and happy for anything more.
Being more spontaneous with your lifestyle
The ability to be totally spontaneous and be in control of my own time means that I can focus on the things that make me the happiest version of myself. I can do this without having to factor in my partner’s plans and compromising the things that I want to do completely spontaneously. I’m determined to get the message out there that it’s perfectly normal to choose the single life and not all of us are looking for our Prince Charming around every corner - I am more than happy spending an evening in my flat with my dog!