How to Be Alone

A lot of girls my age (teens and early 20's) spend most of their time trying to find Mr. Right or retweeting pictures of celebrity couples with the hashtag #relationshipgoals. Society has made us all believe that the ultimate goal of us, as women is to find our soulmate and live happily ever after. Not to mention, the constant bombardment of engagement and wedding pictures on our timelines from people who we graduated with from high school. (Married at 20, really?) Not to rain on their parades, I think it's sweet that they have already decided who they want to spend the rest of their lives with. But for those of us who haven't, I think we should learn to cherish this time instead of spending every waking moment on Tinder hoping for a match. Here are a few things we should be doing as young, independent women. Take it from someone who has been single for a little while and knows the rules of the game... Being alone doesn't mean you're lonely.

1. Save money!! (and food)
If you're in college and seeing someone else, chances are the two of you are inseparable. And while you're so busy being attached at the hip, chances are the two of you will get hungry. That means either you're cooking for him or he's cooking for you. And let's be real, most of the time you're the sou chef. Think of all of the money you spend on groceries while you're dating someone. Now think of all of the money you save while you're single. You're welcome.

2. Chancellor's List here you come...
While this may not be the case for everyone, when you get a new "bae" that means less time spent studying and doing your homework. Now you have tons of time to do both and you may end up on the mysterious Chancellor's List.

3. The best revenge is a good body.
I don't remember where I heard this quote, but I am in love with it. Do you have some aggression towards the guy who you met on Tinder that stood you up THREE times? Girl go to the gym and pump it out. He's going to be throwing his phone across the room once he sees your smoking new booty on his timeline.

4. Take time to smell the roses
But seriously. I swear once you've been alone for a while (and have accepted your alone-ness), you start to see things in a brand new light. No longer will you get annoyed when you see the couple holding hands like their wrists depended on it. You may actually think it's cute. Kiss the bitterness goodbye and sniff away sister!

5. Just do it
Want to dye your hair a different color? Just do it. Want to get a big fat tattoo on your thigh? Just do it. When you're alone you can do whatever the hell you want. You don't have to worry about your guy dissing your new gigantic butterfly tattoo or saying "It looks good, but I liked your hair better when it was black."

6. Netflix
I think Netflix was designed for us girls who spend a lot of time alone. There is nothing better than snuggling up in your bed (snacks close at hand) and getting attached to characters who aren't real. And if anything, watching some of the sad things that happen to people in movies and television shows will really convince you that being alone isn't all that bad. P.S. Orange is the New Black is a series that I think every human being on the planet needs to experience. Just saying.

7. Space... Lots and lots of space.
I don't know about you but when I'm around someone for long periods of time, I can get overwhelmed and a little bitchy. Well, since I've been alone I don't have that problem at all. I can stretch completely out on my bed. I don't have to worry about always looking nice (or smelling nice). I can be completely free to spend hours painting my nails and applying face masks or just staring at the ceiling. Embrace your space. Do some cartwheels, do a dance, use your space the best way that you know how.

8. You are not alone.
PLOT TWIST! Although it may feel like everyone has a boyfriend or girlfriend and everyone is going on dates and becoming each other's Woman Crush Wednesday's, that's not the case. Being alone is beautiful because it shows you that the only person you need to be happy is yourself. Don't depend on a guy to take you on a date, go out with your roommates and treat yourself. Don't depend on a guy to tell you that you're beautiful, look in the mirror and remind yourself (or post a cute selfie on IG and let others tell you through "likes"). Someone will mosey their way into your life one of these days, weeks, months, or years. Until then, be "alone" and love it!

Smooches,
The College Natural