The Solo Struggle | Things That Are Harder When You're Single | Episode 48
Ever felt like life throws you an extra challenge just because you're single? Well, today we're diving into the nitty-gritty of what makes being single feel like a tough gig compared to being in a couple. From navigating weddings solo to tackling DIY projects all by yourself, we’re exploring how these everyday situations can feel like climbing a mountain without a buddy to lend a hand. We’ll chat about the financial hits of going solo, like paying that rent all on your lonesome or the struggle of planning for retirement without a partner’s income. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom; we’ll also throw in some positivity as we encourage you to think of the perks of being single. So grab a snack, kick back, and let’s unravel this single life together!
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Navigating life as a single can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, where the highs are thrilling, but the lows can be a bit more dramatic than expected. One major theme we delve into is the array of challenges that singles face, especially when it comes to social events. You know those weddings where everyone seems to be coupled up, and there you are trying not to make eye contact with the bouquet while dodging questions about your love life? Yeah, we’ve all been there! It’s not just the awkwardness of attending events solo; it’s the pressure of having to find a plus one or deal with the curious glances from relatives who think your love life is a mystery novel waiting to be solved. We chat about how these experiences can really amplify feelings of loneliness, especially during the holidays when everyone seems to be in cozy couples mode. But it’s not all doom and gloom! We also tackle the financial realities of being single, like paying rent solo or handling all the household chores by yourself. Sure, you don’t have to share the remote, but those bills don’t pay themselves. And what about those DIY projects? Let’s just say that assembling IKEA furniture alone can turn into a game of ‘how many curse words can I fit into one afternoon?’ It’s a lot to juggle, and it often leaves us feeling like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our single shoulders. We wrap up with a little encouragement to embrace the positives that come with being single. After all, independence has its perks! So, we challenge you to think about what you love about being single. Maybe it’s the freedom to binge-watch your favorite shows without negotiating with a partner, or the ability to make spontaneous plans without checking in with anyone. We want to remind you to celebrate those solo wins, because sometimes, it's important to reflect on how fabulous it can be to do life on your own terms!
Transcript
What's something that feels ten times harder simply because you're single? Hi, welcome back. Or welcome if you're new here. I'm your host, Wioleta. And this is all about being single.
So today we're gonna talk about some things that are more difficult for singles than for couples.
So going to weddings or other events without a plus one, or even having to like find a plus one, or attending holiday gatherings where everyone asks about your dating life or everyone has someone there, or attending just any social event where there's plenty of people who are coupled up and then there's just you. Paying the full cost of rent or a mortgage alone. Covering all household chores yourself.
Making every major life decision without a built in sounding board. The costs of traveling, if you're usually traveling solo, are way higher. Having no one at home to celebrate everyday wins with.
Dealing with illness without someone automatically checking on you. Recovering after surgery or an injury. Moving to a new home by yourself, Building furniture or tackling DIY projects alone. Or having to find people.
Having to pay for those. Eating alone at restaurants if you want to go out, which I know can also be a positive.
But sometimes people look at you like, why are you there yourself? Navigating dating apps and first dates and starting over and over and over after dating disappointments or breakups.
Feeling like you're behind because society often celebrates couple milestones and not really single people milestones. Having fewer opportunities for spontaneous physical affection and also just not getting a lot of touch in general.
Managing finances and one income instead of two. Planning for retirement without a partner's income or benefits.
Facing emergencies without someone who you know automatically knows your whereabouts or kind of your whereabouts at least. Or even just having somebody to know that you're okay. You know, sometimes we go days without talking to people. Having no default travel companion.
Being the only person responsible for pet care, home maintenance and errands. Creating your own support system instead of relying on a built in partner, which also takes a lot.
I think communities aren't really communities anymore.
Making medical decisions or listing an emergency contact if you don't have close family nearby or even if you do, you know, you're like putting them on there, but they're not necessarily putting you on there.
And just feeling like you intentionally have to build communities and friendships since friendships often require more planning than living with a partner. It's a lot. Sometimes it's a lot. It's a lot to have to deal with just being single. Just having to go through this life by yourself.
Even if you have friends, even if you have family, even if you know you have some kind of a community, none of it really replaces a partner's love. So, yeah, today's episode was just kind of more of like event.
Just I just want to kind of bring up some of these things that I thought, you know, we're missing out on being single sometimes, and this is going to be a super short episode. But I'm just gonna skip over to the Glow up, think about for each one of the things that I mentioned or actually if you have any ideas for other I.
This is not an exhaustive list.
So if there's any other things that you really want to bring up that are much harder for singles than for couples because of how society treats singles versus couples, please go to All About Being Single. Com.
You'll find a spot to send me a voice note and I'd love to hear your thoughts and more examples because again, I know this isn't an exhaustive list for the Glow Up. You know, there are a lot of negatives. There are a lot of negatives to being single.
There truly really are, especially in the society made for couples. But just this week, think about all of the things that are positive, that are good things about being single.
So just come up with a list of the things that are positives. You know, maybe five to 10 things. I would try to shoot for the 10 things.
So 10 things that you love about being single because there's so many negatives and sometimes it's nice to remind ourselves of the positives. And that's. That's where I'm going to leave you. Again, it's a very short episode, but I'm sure, you know, I'm sure some of these resonated with you.
And again, if there's more, please send them over.
Whether or you can even, you can even email me at all about being singlemail.com if you have any other examples, you know, that you want me to maybe talk about on a future episode or if you just want to tell me maybe some things you'd like to see more of, hear more of on this podcast or maybe hear less of, I always want to make sure that it's helping you as well. Thanks so much for listening as always. Even if we're late, we're right on time.
I hope you have a good rest of your week and I really appreciate you listening and I will talk to you next Tuesday. Sa.
