Most of the texts I’ve consumed about being single seem to be about the author consoling themselves that they are living a good life *even though they’re not in a relationship*. But living well, to me, looks like focusing on what you *do* have. Being single isn’t a consolation prize - it’s making yourself your top priority: time and time again. I’m ideally situated to nurture and protect myself, and sometimes I have found relationships a distraction from this.
I’m still open to romantic partnerships, but they can be a restriction… any commitment necessarily means limiting your options accordingly.
So then, what does self-appreciation look like for me?
This year I am having a new overseas travel experience: Staying in Germany for the better part of autumn. I’ve had a rocky start, getting sick with an infection, but I’ve officially started enjoying myself, talking to strangers (including Bulgarian speakers), baking sweet potato rosti bought fresh from the supermarket, admiring the tasteful and stylish way people dress in Hannover, ogling everything from Peruvian ornaments in the Landesmuseum to the impressive collection of Abstractionist paintings in the Sprengel Museum… All of this would be rewarding on its own, but the raspberry on top is spending time with my best friend, with his kindness and originality. Being a writer, he expresses himself beautifully through (Facebook) Messenger, but it’s with renewed delight that I watch his facial expressions and body language change in real time!
