A New Trend: Being Single as Preparation for Meeting a Lifelong Partner

[FamTimes reporter Lee Kyung-han] Neither being an ardent fan of romance novels or romantic comedies nor being single is particularly helpful. Inexperience in love soon makes someone the butt of their friends’ jokes.

The spiteful question, “Are you even thinking about dating anyone?” comes from everywhere. It is half-serious. Others refuse to accept how happy a person can be while single.

People who choose to be single may not understand why being single should be considered shameful. In fact, it can be rewarding.

You can do everything you want without anyone getting in your way. You only live once. While you still can, you should show everyone that you can do what you want—and that you will.

This can be an opportunity for people who choose to be single to grow and discover what they truly want to do. It could be a new hobby or a new job.

Being single does not mean feeling sorry for yourself because you are alone. Nor is there anything wrong with breaking free from the belief that being single necessarily goes hand in hand with loneliness.

Most stories about love concern how to avoid ending up alone or how to find a life partner somehow.

That may be true, but if single people do not yet know themselves well, how can they offer these benefits to someone else? It may sound clichéd, but when you think carefully about it, this is also true.

People should therefore recognize that remaining single is a choice that gives them an opportunity to become content with who they are.

Single people should do what they have always enjoyed and try things they were afraid to attempt. It is a time when they can transform into someone new.

It is a time to prepare by recognizing how valuable you are and learning how to cherish a future partner. Hold your head high and inspire others.

Reporter Lee Kyung-han, fam1@pcss.co.kr