How to be Happy, Alone

In today's world we are often bombarded by questions about our relationship status. On facebook, we are asked to list our relationship status and getting into a relationship is viewed as a victory. One in which we are now part of the upper echelon of society. One of the first things I am asked when I meet someone new is whether or not I have a boyfriend/girlfriend. I can't even turn on the television without being reminded that I am not going to be happy unless I join eHarmony and am matched with my dream man.

Moreover, we constant fall victim to listening to those people in our lives who are in happy fulfilling relationships (or so they say) tell us about how wonderful it is to be in a relationship. Not to mention, no matter where we go it is thrown in our faces. The handholding, the messy couple making out on the subway and at clubs.

Note: This is not to suggest that I do not think relationships are wonderful.

Well friends, I am hear to tell you that this is all a load of crap. Happiness is not centered around whether or not you have a significant other, nor around whether people like you. It is a decision. Like anything else, we choose how to react to our environment and the things that happen in our lives. We can choose to be sad and miserable because we are all alone, or we can embrace it, spend our "alone" time getting to know ourselves better, and learn to love who we are because, after all, the most important relationship we have is with ourselves.

Here are some ways I've learned to enjoy your time alone:

1. Set time aside every week for a date with yourself: I, personally, take every third Friday, and every Sunday to spend time with myself. This can be as simple as going for a walk, reading a book in the bath, or going out to a nice restaurant and having a nice meal.

2. See the beauty in yourself: After all, we are all fabulous and beautiful people, but only once we choose to believe it, does it truly reflect on ourselves.

3. Take a trip by yourself: This is one of my favourite ways to reflect on my life, set goals for myself, and most of all spend time with myself while travelling somewhere exciting. I always keep a journal to remember the things I did and my perspective on things that happened.

4. Do something spontaneous: I find the best way to learn more about myself and grow as an individual is to take myself out of my comfort zone and try something different.

So, next time you think you are alone realize you really aren't. You have your family, your friends, in some cases your pet, but most of all you have yourself!