Being single is not the worst thing in the world. There are things much, much worse, like, being in a bad relationship for example. In fact, I can honestly say that once I got over the initial shock and got the hang of being single, I was happier single than I was in the last years of my marriage. Being single is a mixed bag though. Here are a few of the best and worst things about being single.

Best Thing About Being Single:Your Time Is Yours

One of the best things about being single is your time is your time. I remember a commercial for a sitcom that debuted while I was in my second singleness. I think it was called “Rules of Engagement”. It followed the adventures of a married guy, an engaged guy, and a single guy. I actually never saw the show, but I loved the commercial. The dialog went something like this:

Married Guy: I just remembered, my wife says I gotta go to the store for something.Engaged Guy: Oh, that reminds me, my fiance needs me to go check on the caterer.Single Guy: Oh, that reminds me, I have to go do whatever I want whenever I want.

And that was my favorite part of single life. When I wasn’t at work, my time was my time. There was no one there to demand my time or demand I do this or that. There was no one to judge me for how I used my time. I went to sleep when I wanted and woke up when I wanted.

Those were some of the most creative times on my life. I could lavish as much time as I wanted on my creative pursuits without having to feel guilty that I was shortchanging someone who needed my time.

Worst Thing About Being Single:Lack of Physical Touch

Of course, that means there was no one there to touch. One of the worst things about being single was the lack of physical touch. I am a very “touchy-feely” person. I crave physical touch. That made being single very difficult.

Let me be even more specific, that meant no sex. Being a Christian, sex for me was not an option. I can’t lie to you, that was difficult. I know a lot of Christian singles who have compromised in that area. It was only by the grace of God that I did not. His grace was sufficient. But that does not mean it was easy.

Related post: Why Christian Singles *Should* Thrive

Best Thing About Being Single:Your Home and Your Stuff is Yours

One of the best things about being single is that your stuff is totally yours.

You always know where the TV remote is. It’s yours. It’s right where you left it. The toilet lid stays in whatever position you prefer. It’s yours. It’s in whatever position you left it. You want to drink milk or eat ice cream out of the carton? No problem. It’s yours. Nobody will judge you for it or complain about it. Nobody eats the last slice of pie you were saving for dessert tonight. No one uses all but the last few sheets of toilet paper and leaves you two sheets and no fresh roll in reach. Your world is totally customized and personalized for your maximum enjoyment.

Worst Thing About Being Single:No One to Share the Load

But, with freedom comes responsibility. One of the worst things about being single is there is no one to share the load. There is no one there to pick up the slack when you’re not at your best. You have no safety net. Every time I got sick, I had this recurring vision of me dying there alone and my decomposing body not being found for days.