For example, if you decide you want to paint your bedroom purple, you can do that. You don’t need to talk to your partner about it first or work the project around other people’s schedules. This also means you can do things that sound positively indulgent to people who have a partner and kids. For example, if you want to sit down and read the latest bestseller cover-to-cover in one evening, you can do that without letting anything else fall by the wayside.
For example, if you decide that you want to leave a secure job to work at a nonprofit or pursue a creative career with less stability. You can do that—the only needs you have to take into consideration are your own. Because you don’t have to worry about anyone else’s competing interests, you can do “extra” things without any pressure as well. For example, if you want to join a bowling league, you don’t have to ask your partner if they’ll be okay if you’re not at home on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
For example, maybe you’ve been adapting handed-down family recipes and you’ve always wanted to write your own cookbook. Now you have the time, energy, and experience to get those recipes and stories down. Another factor is financial stability. Typically you’re enjoying a stable career by the time you hit your 40s, which gives you more resources to put towards your passion project.
For example, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook, you might sign up for a community cooking class. You can also learn on your own. For example, there are apps that will help you learn a language or how to play a musical instrument. Because this is self-directed learning, you can use them whenever you want.
Instead of regular workouts in a gym, you might also try joining a specific sports club, where you can make friends with other people who enjoy the same activity. For example, if you played tennis in high school, you might join the local tennis club and get back into it.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, solo travelers can often take advantage of some pretty spectacular deals that aren’t available to people traveling with others. Nervous about traveling by yourself? Start small. A weekend trip to a town that’s just a couple of hours away from home can help you get more comfortable exploring a new setting on your own.
Establishing regular meetups is a good way to strengthen your bond with adult friends. For example, you might start a book club or have a weekly game night. You might also spend time with friends and family by running errands together. If you’re shopping, take advantage of discounts for buying things in large quantities, then split them up later—no worries about anything going to waste.
Think about things you love and look for related volunteer opportunities. For example, if you love visual art, you might volunteer at your local art museum.
For example, suppose a friend invites you to go hiking with them. You think that you’re not really that into nature and haven’t ever really gone hiking before. Say “yes” anyway! You might have a good time and find a new hobby you want to explore, but even if you don’t, you’ll still have a great story to share about the experience.
Dabbling in a lot of different things can keep you from getting bored or feeling like you’re in a rut. You also have the ability to fulfill all of your different sides. For example, you might join a rec league soccer team, start a book club, and take a pottery class. Because you’re likely to be pretty set in your career, you also have the money to start hobbies that might require a little more investment at the outset. For example, suppose you’ve always wanted to try fencing? The gear can be a little pricey to start, but if you’re single you’ve got the time and the money to go for it.
Through this experience, you’ll discover that there are many people you can have a great time with who you wouldn’t necessarily consider “the one. " Instead of trying to find one person to fulfill all of your needs, you can enjoy experiences with people who only tick one or two boxes. Choose to have fun on the journey on the way to the end goal destination. [14] X Expert Source Susan Pazak, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach Expert Interview. 22 February 2022. For example, you might date a man who you have great conversations with about philosophy and literature—but he doesn’t really know anything about sports. When you want to talk sports, there’s someone else you can share your hockey season tickets with.
For example, suppose you meet a friend of a friend who’s shocked that you’re single. They say, “Oh, don’t worry—you look great for your age! I’m sure you’ll find someone soon!” You might respond, “I’m not worried, nor am I looking for anyone, but I appreciate your concern. "
