Single Life A Path to Living Fully

What does it mean to be single? Most people are single for some part of adulthood Not simply the state of not being married or not having a boyfriend Lifestyle in its own right with unique opportunities and problems

What does society think about being single? Often seen as a good thing-independence Possibly seen as a bad thing

Why are the numbers of single people on the rise in the U.S.? Death of a spouse Delay marriage for further education or career, or have not found the person they want to marry Divorced people Choose to remain single

By Choice or by Chance Single life as a vocation For some the lifestyle is chosen because they believe this is the best way for them to grow and to make a contribution to the world Single life by force of circumstance Still need to embrace the singleness Need not consider it only a holding pattern Embrace life instead of waiting for it to happen

A Life of Loving Christian command to love God and neighbor Love is essential to happiness and to a sense of meaning in life Jesus taught us about love as a single person Gives us a model of how the single can be a life of love

How do single people love and create life? Friends Hobbies (music, sports, dancing) Being good at their jobs Learning and developing skills Caring about their family Volunteer work: at home and abroad Giving time and talents

Problems and Opportunities Each lifestyle has problems and opportunities Considering these can help that person consciously shape decisions on how to live

Freedom Egocentrism To make decisions based on his or her convictions needs or goals Freedom to choose for themselves-- from simple to complex decisions Can take risks A self-centered or selfish outlook May not have the constant opportunity for a give and take relationship Can lead to an inability to commit to anything or anyone May not want to be tied down Can lead to a rootless life which lacks purpose

Solitude Loneliness Being alone for thought, creative pursuits, rest, learning, or prayer Is necessary for growth of a person By living alone we have a harder time hiding from ourselves Can also urge us to appreciate our relationships more Feeling of sadness from being alone may feel isolated

Wider Friendships Not Belonging with One Special Person possibility of a large network of friends Have more time for many types of intimacy Recreational, intellectual, aesthetic, spiritual, work, common-cause, etc. Ache of not belonging to one special person May be a loneliness that comes from not having one special person Especially as one grows older

Professional Commitment Job Traps Some people truly want to focus on their career Gives flexibility to dedicate more time and even relocate Sometimes single people feel trapped Sometimes an expectation that a single person can absorb unlimited work assignments Employers and other workers may also feel that single people are not as entitled to pay raises

Less Expensive More Expensive Potentially less expensive Does not have to support spouse or children Needs apply only to one person not an entire family Can opt for a simple lifestyle Share housing with friends or family Potentially more expensive Furnishing home or apartment on one income Taxes often higher on a single person Insurance rates are higher too Tend to eat out more often May join health clubs or spend more on entertainment

A Life of Possibilities Consider how single life can lead to being fully alive Reflect on some of the problems and how you would deal with them You might treat your time of singleness as a time to learn more about yourself Fruitful way of life

We discussed that it is likely that all adults will be single at one point in their life. What do you see as the aspects of single life you will enjoy the most? What aspects will be the most challenging for you? Do you look forward to single life? Why or why not?