9 Times To Be Thankful You're Single & Not Dating

It's very easy to get down on yourself when you're single and not dating anyone, especially around the holiday season. The older you get, the worse it can feel. It could be because of the slew of marriage and baby announcements flooding both your mailbox and social media feeds.

The more of this I see, and the longer I'm single, the more I can't help but wonder if there's something wrong with me for not being paired off yet. Before you fall down that rabbit hole, remember: being single is something you should truly cherish.

So many people in relationships still long for the single days, even if they're in a happy relationship. I have to remind myself of that, but the fact is, those days when you're only responsible for one person — you — should not be taken for granted. While no relationship status is better than the other, it's important to remind yourself that being single may be what's best for you at this moment.

So while those days are in your present, make the most of them. Trust me, there are some major benefits of being on your own. Need a few reminders why you should be thankful for being single and not dating anyone? Let me count the nine different ways...

1. When You're Sleeping

Sure, there are certain times when sharing a bed with a significant other is great, but then there are the other times. Those times when you're in your bed solo and it is pure bliss. Let's face it, sleeping with someone else means potential cover hogs, snoring, and even just simply being aware someone else is there can have you tossing and turning. Well, when you're single, there is none of that — get ready to catch some serious Z's.

2. When You're Out With Friends

There's really no debating that going out with your single friends is a blast. Even people in a relationship want to go out with their single friends, that's how fun it is. You know why? Because when you're single, you don't have to be held accountable for anything that happens that night. Drink too much? Whatever. Make out with a guy at a bar? Who cares! You're single. Nothing — or no one — to feel guilty about whatsoever.

3. When You're Flirting

You know what goes great with going out when you're single? Flirting. It's possible flirting may be one of the most fun acts in the entire world. Regardless if you're in a relationship or not, everyone engages in harmless flirting; it can even be beneficial for your relationship. But when you're single, it doesn't have to be "harmless" and you can really practice your skills... maybe even go pro.

4. When You Feel Like Pampering Yourself

When you're single, you only have one person to pamper: you.

5. When You Realize You Can Do Whatever The Eff You Want

Don't get me wrong, anyone can sign up for new classes, outdoor activities, or walk into a bar alone whenever they want, but when you're single, there's the added bonus of meeting and/or flirting with new people.

6. When You Book Last-Minute Trips

True story: one day, when I was walking to work, my friend called to tell me she found a two-for-one roundtrip tickets to Italy. I didn't even think before saying "yes." I had no boyfriend to check-in with, no schedules to coordinate with him, didn't have to worry about hurting his feelings that I was taking this romantic trip without him. Score one for being single!

7. When You Act As A Relationship Therapist

Sometimes your friends in relationships may lean on you for support because their marriage and kids life is driving them up the wall. It's important to remember that being in a relationship doesn't always equate to being happy.

8. During The Holidays

A lot of people complain about being single during the holidays, but there are actually a ton of benefits, like not having to argue over whose family you're going to spend it with — as is celebrating New Year's Eve single.

9. When You Just Want To Turn Off

Remember "Secret Single Behavior" (SSB) from Sex and the City? Like when you're in the mood to go home, throw on ratty sweats, and eat pancakes for dinner as you watch reruns of Gilmore Girls. Oh, and not talk to a damn person. And you can.

Hey, you do you.

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