delaware UNdressed: Surviving as the lonely one

When I think of the "single life," a broad mixture of words comes to mind: fun,  exciting, new, cold, jealous, confused, choice, independent. Each word defines the revolving door of a single lifestyle one may have and covers both ends of the happy meter. But when you and your bestie are both single, this is where memories are made. It doesn't faze you that you're missing out on that significant other, because your best friend is your guaranteed date Monday through Sunday. You spend hours together and chat over mimosas about your random hook-up last night, all while having the freedom to be young and unattached. Then one day when they "have someone important" they want you to meet — game over.

In no way is your friendship with your girl or guy an arcade game to be won, but now you may feel as though you are on "Player 1 vs The Computer" status. Sure, being single is fun, but so is being in a relationship. There are positives and negatives to both the situations, depending on your personality type. Does this mean you should feel obligated to start dating too? Is there a jealousy factor for singles that mingle with friends who are wife'd or hubby'd up? Some say there is a slight jealousy factor, but only for the simple things they miss out on. For example, a person may love all aspects of the single life, but at the same time, he or she yearns for that consistent cuddler at night. Who doesn't? I believe there are small things that lack in the single life, that only a relationship can give you and vice versa.

Though the words "jealousy" and "envy" may sound harsh, you can't say you haven't caught yourself seeing that gross PDA couple that makes you contemplate joining eHarmony.com right after class. I believe this does take place, but that happens in life in general, not just to those single kids. I saw a girl walking out of Memorial Hall and envied her, because of the fresh Gucci riding boots she was wearing. However, I'm not going to go cry in the corner because I don't have them in my life. Singles have to realize that they are single for a reason — self commitment. Being single is like taking a breath of fresh air and makes you realize who you are as a person — no relationship status on Facebook can justify that for you.

Just because you are labeled as single doesn't mean you have the plague. Time isn't passing you, play the field if you want. Being single is your choice and if you choose to later commit yourself to someone, do it because you're ready, not because everyone else is doing it or you want a warm bed at night. Granted, those sweet good morning kisses and dreamy walks on the beach are nice to have, but there's no expiration date stating these acts need to happen by a certain age. Trust me, I know plenty of singles who've bought a dog that can do the same things (i.e. offer companionship). Live your life, don't do it through someone else's. Maybe your outlook will change, maybe it won't. And if it doesn't, at least you'll have a new pooch to attract all the hotties on campus. It may appear to be a lonely lifestyle, but it's only lonely if you make it that way. Remember the cheesy motto — "If it's up to me, it will be."