The Benefits of Being Single (Even When You’re Ready to Mingle)

It’s a funny in-between space to live in—being single but also open to meeting someone. Maybe you’ve healed, rediscovered yourself, and feel that flutter of excitement when you think about dating again. At the same time, you’re not rushing into the first opportunity that comes along because you know there’s real value in this season of life.

Being single, even when you want to mingle, isn’t a contradiction. In fact, it can be a gift. Here’s why:

1. You Get to Prioritize You

Singlehood allows you to set your own priorities without compromise. Whether it’s building your career, traveling on a whim, spending time with your kids or friends, or simply curling up with a book guilt-free, you get to choose. This independence strengthens your sense of self, which is exactly what makes you more grounded when you do meet someone new.

2. Freedom to Explore

Dating while single doesn’t have to be about finding “the one” right away. It can be about meeting different people, discovering what you want (and don’t want), and enjoying the ride. You can mingle with curiosity and fun rather than pressure—because your happiness doesn’t depend on someone else showing up.

3. Stronger Boundaries

Being single teaches you how to say no to situations, people, or relationships that don’t align with your values. This time alone often sharpens your awareness of red flags and helps you stand firm on what matters most. By the time you decide to mingle more seriously, you’ll do so with clarity and confidence.

4. Deepened Connections with Yourself & Others

Without a partner as your primary focus, you have more space for meaningful connections with family, friends, and community. Those bonds are often just as fulfilling as romantic ones, and they remind you that love exists in many forms—not just in couplehood.

5. Confidence in Your Independence

When you know you can thrive on your own, dating becomes less about filling a void and more about adding joy. You’re not looking for someone to complete you—you’re looking for someone to complement an already full and vibrant life. That confidence radiates and often makes you even more attractive when mingling.

Wanting to mingle doesn’t diminish the benefits of being single. It means you’re open—but also wise enough to enjoy the chapter you’re in. Singlehood is not a waiting room; it’s a season filled with freedom, self-discovery, and growth.

So, embrace the best of both worlds: love your single life while keeping your heart open to the possibility of connection. After all, the strongest relationships often come when you already feel whole on your own.

Find you and find your happiness.

Erin