Are You Better Off Single?

I got a copy of Dawn Yanek's essay entitled "Are You Better Off Single?" from one of the mailing lists I subscribe to, and I just thought to share its highlights here.

• You have a better body. Single people are more motivated to exercise because they "want to be attractive to potential partners."


• You’re more likely to achieve great things. Single people have the time and the lack of familial responsibilities to excel. The essay asserts that the drive to succeed may be biologically programmed as a means to attract a mate.


• You do less housework. "Well, if you leave a sock on the floor but there’s no one else there to see it, does it really need to be picked up?"


• You can do what you want with your money—including keep it. "You don’t have to justify your purchase to anyone but yourself. Once you mix money with marriage, though, things change—and fast."


• You have better sex. “People who are dating have better sex because it’s novel.... Married people have to relearn how to play. It’s natural for singles because that’s the nature of a courting relationship — they tease, they experiment, they explore.”


• You’re better rested and smarter. "[S]ingles generally get more rest — seven to eight hours of sleep a night — than marrieds, which enhances memory, mood and concentration, as well as allows your immune system to recharge."


• You’re less depressed. Single people do not feel the sense of loss of self that married people often do.


• You have better friendships. “Singles don’t rely on just one person to meet their needs. You don’t automatically know who you’re going to spend Friday night with.”


• Your travel tales are enviable. "Being single and relatively footloose certainly allows you to expand your geographical — and personal — borders."


• You know yourself — and what you want out of a relationship. “[M]aturity brings so much, because if you’re able to communicate who you are and what you want, the better your chances of having a successful marriage.”

This may not be entirely applicable to Filipino singles, but this can be something to ponder about, for those who do not seem to be entirely happy nor satisfied with their single-blessedness.