Married for 20 years, then single for a couple, then a couple of brief relationships, and now back in one that seems to be for real, I have some perspective, lol.
Pros of singleness:
1. Way, way cheaper! I went out to dinner maybe once every couple of weeks. Now it's twice a week. And her birthday and Valentine's day within a week of each other? Ouch.
2. Much easier time management. Of course I was always respectful of spending the appropriate amount of time with friends and family, but now there is someone that I want to be with every waking moment and can't stop thinking about. It complicates how you plan your weeks.
3. Grocery shopping and meal planning was easier.
4. House could be messy and hardly thought about it.
5. Not worrying about saying something that will be misinterpreted.
6. Not worrying about getting hurt, or let down, or lied to, or used. Basically, not vulnerable at all, emotionally.
Cons:
1. Just an empty feeling when out enjoying nature and wishing there was someone to share it with.
2. Not having an advocate and partner to share with, laugh with, and cry with.
3. Lack of physical intimacy. Not necessarily sex, but just the wonderful experience of holding hands, hugging, cuddling, and stroking their hair.
4. No motivation to clean my house and keep laundry caught up. My house now looks and smells sooo much better.
5. Very conscientious of personal hygiene. I mean before, I was always clean and looked nice, but now I am constantly worried about it and brushing my teeth multiple times a day, checking the mirror, etc.
6. Didn't look for new and fun experiences as much when single. I wanted to avoid the pain of loneliness when I experienced something wonderful and realized there was no one special to share it with.
7. No one to spoil or serve. I love treating others and giving gifts and spoiling. I love giving compliments and building others up emotionally. Now I get to.
My new blessing...
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