by Rosa Radikalis

Created on: January 19, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

For young women who are single, Valentine's Day can seem like a bad dream in which pinching yourself awake is not an option. This is especially true if most of your friends are taken, particularly if they are somewhat insensitive and inclined to boast about their plans or describe the lengths their partner has gone to in order to make Valentine's day a romantic occasion. If it's any consolation, I too have been single on February 14th, and I know how miserable it can feel.

I think single females are especially given to feeling down on this day because society puts pressure on us women to be part of a couple, so much so that being single can make you feel like a freak. Therefore, I am going to go against the grain and suggest that all of you single girls do something radical this Valentines day. Use it as an opportunity to celebrate the fact that you aren't in a relationship.

Let's face it; being in a relationship isn't all a bed of roses. Relationships are very hard work and they involve a lot of compromise and sacrifice. There are some days when I wish I were single again.

I am aware that being single can feel lonely at times, but it has its advantages. You can do what you want to do, when you want to do it. You have no need to argue over what to watch on television, and are not obliged to listen to your partner snore like a small piglet and keep you awake each night. You also get to avoid complex discussions and arguments, and are free to see a range of other people. If you wanted, you could have a different date every night. Also in the comfort of your own home you can burp and scratch your bottom all you want because there is nobody around to think you are impolite or unfeminine.

Single women may wish find that special someone, and corporations who want us to part with our cash when Valentine's Day looms on the horizon make being in a relationship sound like the ideal situation. Nevertheless, the fact remains that relationships definitely have their disadvantages.

I am here to remind you that being single can be fantastic. It means that you are free as a butterfly. You should embrace it. Do something this Valentines day to celebrate being free of the burden of a relationship, and the next time a self-satisfied friend brags about the Valentine plans she has made with her lover, don't feel jealous. She is probably more envious of your status than you realize.

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