BEAUTY + WELLNESS
SEASON OF
SINGLENESS
WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY
Jillian VanDyke Just because you’re alone does not mean you have to be lonely. There is greatness that comes with being single. you are and your ability to give yourself to others.
party for anyone because of their rela-
Life is too short to give time to people undeserv-
tionship status or lack thereof. I am in
ing of what you could be doing with it for your own
the same boat, so I hope I can relate to
good instead. Everyone has the capability to pour into
what you are feeling. But if not, I can do
themselves so they can share it with their future sig-
my best to share with you some optimism. Take ad-
nificant other.
vantage of the time you’re in and invest in your cur-
There are a lot of health benefits that come with
rent and future self in order to fulfill your joy. Find
not having a partner. Oftentimes, when another per-
happiness in yourself so that another person is an
son is added into the mix, it takes a toll on your fi-
addition, not what fills you.
nances, sleeping habits, and stress levels. So, the
Life throws many different seasons at us, but sin-
next time you find yourself stressed or losing sleep
gleness is a particular season that can be a constant
on how much money you spend, remember that at
for us for quite a lengthy amount of time. With this
least it is on yourself and not someone else. Single
can come feelings of doubt, which is so normal, but
people become more generous and helpful for this
with that can come reassurance, personal growth,
reason, which in time will be much more beneficial
and security in oneself as well. You have the ability
for their potential future relationships.
to be happy with your single life and bring out the
Being single is something that brings emotion-
best in it. Did you know that being by yourself has
al strength and intelligence, two things that are not
been scientifically proven to be healthier for you for
found in a relationship but that can prove to be ben-
various reasons? Social connections play a big part in
eficial while in one. Generosity is something that
this, especially platonic ones. Being alone gives you
is keen to your partner. There are many different
more free time to socialize with people other than
ways every individual is able to receive love, all of
your partner, which leads to overall happiness. Ac-
which are based on personality and personal prefer-
cording to researcher Elyakim Kislev, who has his Ph.
ence. This usually entails a combination of the five
D in sociology from Columbia University, “Singles
love languages. I suggest taking time to get to know
who pursue social interactions more proactively than
yourself and what you enjoy so that you are able to
do couples can bypass them in the happiness index.”
communicate this to others. If you do not know how
So allowing yourself to pursue relationships with
you receive love, it could put a strain on your rela-
people that are not with the intent to be romantic is
tionships.
very beneficial to your overall well-being. Relationships consume valuable time that can be spent with
Love languages
other people.
Learning how you are able to receive is important for
Your twenties are a time to be selfish and do what
you to learn and be able to communicate with people,
is best for you, which may be exactly what preparing
whether it be plantocially or romantically. Working
yourself for a relationship looks like. Being selfish is
on these while ‘dating yourself’ is a great place to
a great form of selflessness when you’re not hurt-
start.
ing yourself or others. Vulnerability can be extremely taxing if you are not secure enough with the person 31 | VINDICATOR
“
Find happiness in yourself so that another person is an addition, not what fills you.
“
H
ear me out: I am not throwing a pity
