It’s a Friday night, you’re sat in your room eating two-day-old pasta bake with Riverdale playing in the background whilst scrolling through Instagram and wondering, ‘Why am I single? Why is my old childhood best friend practically married off? Is there something wrong with me?’ Most of the time, you think about it for two minutes and then turn your attention back to the dreamy K.J Apa (Archie Andrews) and forget all about the fact you that you’ve been in your room for the past two days without really talking to anyone (K.J has the ability to do that, I promise). But, there are also times when you don’t snap out of it and dwell on all the reasons why you think no one may want to be with you.

However, after being in this situation one too many times, eventually, I have to tell myself why it’s okay to be single and considered “alone” in my twenties.

1. There are things to do – We can’t deny that there is always an essay/project or a chore to complete. So, Instead of planning your schedule around when you will next see your significant other, you can stay up until 3 am finishing that assignment or washing your clothes, without feeling guilty that you aren’t upstairs spooning someone with serious B.O.

2. You aren’t alone – At times we all feel lonely but, remember there is someone who loves and cares for you, whether that is your tortoise or even your annoying cousin, there is always someone to support you.

3. Single life is a sociable one – Most single people tend to go out more and don’t mind chatting with someone they just met in the smoking area. Also, being single means you can flirt and fancy as many people as you want, without feeling any form of guilt (So keep on swiping right).

4. ‘Cause I depend on me if I want it’ – Just like Destiny’s Child, every singleton knows the struggle of having to buy all their own drinks on a night out just waiting for their card to be declined, but I rather have my card declined to try to be an independent person than have someone else paying everything for me. Especially, knowing that I can stay out the rest of the night whilst absolutely tiddled, instead of having to go home at 2 am because ‘bae’ is tired.

5. Bingeing Netflix won’t be frowned upon –  You won’t be judged for staying in your room all weekend watching all the seasons of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and speaking to absolutely no one. You can relax and be as much as a sloth as you like, and the best part is that its loads cheaper than going to a busy Nandos on a Saturday (I’m much happier with buttered toast anyway).

6. The category is, you! – If RuPaul’s Drag Race has taught us anything it’s how to try every aesthetic imaginable! And being single provides the best opportunities and ideas to switch up your look, a bob haircut possibly? Flared trousers? Anything goes when you are single, it’s a time where you can experiment without worrying no one is going to fancy you because really, no one has in a while anyway!

7. Life is like a reality show – Sure, being all cuddled up at 8pm with a Ben and Jerry’s watching Grand Designs with a ‘bae’ can be considered “goals”. However, downing Sambuca shots in your local pub before a night out with your pals seems more fitting for this time of your life! You won’t remember the nights you stayed in, but you will remember the time you and your mates got chased home by some random guy from Subway.

8. One in the bed – The best part about being single is the fact you get to sleep like an absolute nonce every night without being reminded in the morning. Whether you sleep all curled up or spread out like you are doing a jumping jack mid sleep, it doesn’t matter! No one will ever know.

9. Spice up and live your life for YOU – Living your life for you is a decision you will never forget. This is something that you don’t need to be single for, but most people in relationships tend to neglect. You have one life and you need to make the most of it, relationship or not! You will never regret going on the three week trip to Bali or taking that internship in a different city. Living life without strings attached is a big plus of being single.

10. Ms Independent – The thing most people realise when coming out of a long-term relationship is that they have somehow lost a part of themselves along the way. It’s happened to all of us, you spend so much time with someone that they eventually become a part of who you are. But being single allows you to find your independence and yourself again without feeling guilty because you’ve put yourself first!

So put on Single’ by Natasha Bedingfield, sing your heart out and realise that there’s more to life than a love life.