Happily Single: The Benefits of Being Boyfriend-Less

Growing up, I used to think having a boyfriend was this wonderful thing. The media makes society believe that it's all roses and romantic black-and-white postcards in gift shops. Most people live with their rose-colored glasses on throughout their entire relationship. I know girls who are immensely unhappy with their significant other, but even more afraid to be single. What's with the fear? I'm single again, and loving it!

To be honest, the happiest memories of my life were when I was single. And some of the worst memories of my life are of when I was attached, or should I say, chained? I'm at a point in my life where I need to devote my time and energy to school, work, friends and family. I have the whole remainder of my life to date if I choose. And, I have been on so many dates in my life that I'm kind of maxed out on dates right now. I simply don't feel like getting dressed up and going out to dinner with yet another guy who I'm probably not going to make it past date number two with, either because I've decided he's not my type, or he decides not to call again, for what reason I have no clue, nor do I really care anymore.

The jealousy factor is the most annoying thing in the world. All guys get jealous, I don't care how hard they fight to deny it, all guys do. They can't help it. It's a territorial and possessive male instinct thing all guys go through. Once a girl becomes "their" girlfriend, it's almost like a property claim. You are no longer simply a girl he's dating, you are his girl and his alone. Then everything changes. It's considered inappropriate for you to spend even minimal amounts of time with any guy except for him. He expects a time commitment from you. If you see him less than five nights a week, that's considered unacceptable. He demands to know who called you, and he checks your "dialed" and "received" call logs on your cell phone. Why does he do this? To assure him that you belong to him.