Being Single: An Act Of Choice

By Kashish Jaisingh

From tender years, girls are entranced by the enchanting tales spun by Rom-Coms and romantic songs. In these narratives, a boy meets a girl, and their hearts intertwine, completing each other in a burst of love. But little do they know that life's canvas is painted with more hues than just the pursuit of a romantic partner. Finding someone is not the sole goal one should strive for; nor should being single be perceived as a mere phase on the road to "finding the one." 

The stigma that cloaks the unmarried status is an insidious undercurrent that courses through society's veins. It starts with the very foundations, as parents and relatives whisper presumptions that one must be either homosexual or infertile if the bond of marriage eludes them. Landlords, donning their discriminatory spectacles, deny the single a place to call home. At the same time, bosses prioritise the schedules of married employees, for apparently, they are the ones with responsibilities, while those single are bereft of any familial obligations.

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Sadly, being single is perceived to have only two facets. First, that of a pitiable and lonely soul, seemingly incomplete without a partner by their side. Second, the notion of a temporary, wild escapade from the ultimate purpose of finding a soulmate, as if being unattached is merely a brief detour from the path of destiny. Yet, should one manage to defy these implausible judgments, they are immediately branded as "choosy" or "stubborn," as if they've committed a cardinal sin by refusing to settle for anything less than true contentment.

Society's twisted yardstick of comparison deems being trapped in a loveless or tumultuous relationship as preferable to embracing singlehood with grace. The passage of time only exacerbates this warped outlook. Once the suitable age for marriage seemingly slips away, society then unapologetically labels individuals as unmarried, divorced, or widowed, as if these descriptors carry some inherent stigma.

However, the winds of change are stirring, and the concept of being single is no longer defined by a lack of options but by a powerful act of choice. It is the decision not to let a relationship status dictate one's worth or identity. It is the act of finding completeness and happiness within oneself, forsaking the antiquated notion that a partner is a missing piece in life's puzzle. It is the courage to assert oneself, to be unyielding in the face of societal pressure, and to revel in the freedom of personal decisions.

People often overlook that being single is an active, intentional choice, not a fate thrust upon an individual. It is the defiance against the stifling norms and expectations, the declaration that one's worth is not tethered to marital status. It is an affirmation of one's independence, agency, and self-assuredness.