For the past 3 Tuesdays, Susan Stamberg has been presenting the “Single Series” on NPR. She has been discussing being single, how difficult it can be, and its rewards. Today’s show was the culmination of her series and it discussed people who genuinely like being single.

I think I’m one of them. I like being single. I don’t feel the need to be a part of a couple to feel complete or well-rounded.

I also don’t think I want to be married. I don’t think I really want children (and then, sometimes, the “child bug” hits me). I don’t really like the whole ceremonial thing. I don’t need a party to say “I love you.”

What I like most about being single, though, is my freedom and independence. My house is mine. He can visit, he can share parts of that with me…but, in the end, it’s my place to call home that I can do with whatever I want. It is my safety zone. It is my pleasure palace. It is my place to relax, unwind, and be whomever I want to be at that moment. If I want to lay around in my pajamas and watch sappy movies all day, I can. I don’t have to talk to anyone, deal with anything, but I can just “be.” If I want to leave my dishes unwashed or turn up my stereo or bathe in my bath for an hour (if I actually had enough hot water to do so!!!), I can. I don’t have to answer to anyone. I don’t have to make concessions for anyone.

This may be called selfish but I’ve had to share nearly everything I’ve ever had my whole life. I’ve moved from living with my parents (and sharing a room with my sister) to living with others off and on for the past 17 years. I am LOVING my time with myself. It has become very important to me. I cherish my “alone time.” I get worn out being around people every day of the week. It has become imperative that I take one day for me…just for me…no one else…where I can enjoy whatever it is that I want to do.

I have felt badly about wanting this for myself. I have felt that I may be hurting others in my quest for alone time. I’ve found, however, that I’m not as good as I can be unless I have that time for me. I can’t give anyone else the best if I can’t give myself what I absolutely need.

I like being single. It’s not for everyone but I enjoy it.

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