7 Books About Being Single That Will Instantly Make You Feel Better
It’s sad that — despite it being 2016 and you can live your life however you want — people can often look down upon those who are single. What gives? Being single is, like, kind of incredible. You get to eat what you want and when you want, watch the movie you want to watch, and never deal with those pesky “are they mad at me? Did I do something wrong? Whyyyyyyyy aren’t they calling” thoughts that clog your mind when you have a SO. Not that there's anything wrong with being in a relationship either, but being single should be embraced. It should be celebrated. It should be revered.
While everyone knows of great movies that embrace the single life, there are some pretty fabulous books out there that do just the same — and just because they haven’t (yet) been turned into a screenplay, it doesn’t mean that they should be ignored. Below are some truly inspiring books that will make you proud to be solo. And, hey, who knows? You just might learn a thing or two.
1/7Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own by Kate Bolick
Mainly drawing from her own life, Bolick also looks into the lives of other famous, historical women who were labeled “spinsters.” She explores and ponders why women in the past, present, and future choose to live the single (and fabulous) life.
2/7All the Single Ladies by Rebecca Traister
A journalistic approach to singledom, Traister explores the 21st century single woman. She discusses the dramatic increase in the age at which most people marry, the modern day working woman, the notion of "having it all," and why some women choose to not go after the married or family life.
3/7Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari
Okay, yes, this book is technically about the lengths in which people will go to to find romance...but after reading the (hilarious) stories, there will be a moment where you go “you know what? Nothing is worth this.” Basically, modern dating is the freaking worst. Better to be single than deal with Tinder.
4/7Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Wild is a gorgeous combination of an epic tale, a journey of self-discovery, and learning how to be comfortable while completely and utterly alone. It’s an emotional story that will leave you wanting to live your absolute best life — with or without a partner.
5/7Dear Mr. You by Mary Louise Parker
Actress Mary Louise Parker penned an incredibly creative memoir that is comprised of short letters to the various men who have been in and out of her life. Letter recipients range from serious ex-boyfriends to childhood crushes to taxi drivers she only knew for mere minutes. In her letters, she speaks of the importance of loving yourself — after all, you never know how long each relationship (and subsequent breakup letter) will be.
6/7What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
Newman, a TV writer, sets out to travel alone and find herself in foreign towns, dive-y restaurants, and airport lounges. She paints a different lifestyle than that of all her friends — the ones who, while Newman was traveling, were busy getting married and having children. Newman never speaks poorly of those who decided on the more “traditional” route, she simply proves to show that there are other options...and they can be just as fulfilling.
