Who else is happy to be single?

[Stan_Lite]

There seems to be a popular belief that single people all get maudlin and sad on Valentine's day and wish they had someone special to share the day with. Contrary to this belief, I am absolutely delighted to be single today. I don't feel the need to be sharing it with someone else and I'm happy that I don't feel forced into being ripped off by card and gift manufacturers.

I like being single. Having been in two long term relationships, I know what it's like from both sides and, on balance, being single wins it for me. I've been single for nearly 15 years now and I've never been happier. It's hard to explain without sounding selfish and self-centred but I like having the freedom to do pretty much what I want, when I want and not have to consider how it affects a partner. Having a flatmate does mean that certain behaviour is restricted in the interests of common decency but, for the most part, I can do whatever I want without having to explain myself. Most importantly, I can be the person I want to be rather than be the person I should be to keep someone else happy.

Sometimes, I just feel like getting up and going for a walk or have a drink or got to my play room and do stuff or just be alone without explanation. No matter how understanding your partner is, they don't always understand when you want to do things like this and feel vexed or hurt if you feel the need to do stuff without them.

I know quite a few of the couples on here personally and know that you're happy as couples and I'm delighted for you all. Thank God everybody doesn't feel the same as me or the country would be very sparsely populated I'm not against relationships, I'm just not convinced they're the be all and end all as far as I'm concerned.

Also, I'm not saying I will never be in another relationship. For the moment, there is nobody I know who I care enough for to give up my freedom. Who knows though? Maybe she's out there waiting to steal my heart as we speak. I do miss nookie though - sympathy shag anyone?

How about the other singles? Are you all just waiting for the right person or are you, like me, happy how you are? What about the people in relationships? Do you feel you need to be in a relationship to be happy or can you be happy by yourself? I have heard it said that if you can't be happy by yourself, you'll never be truly happy in a relationship.

Ended up typing a bit more than I expected there