Real talk: Whether you're single or taken this Valentine's Day, it's great either way
From having the time for some self-reflection to unlimited cuddles, YP team members share what they love about being single or in a relationship
Happy Valentine’s Day! While this day celebrates love and romance, and will see couples filling the streets holding hands, do remember that it’s equally amazing to be single! Not convinced? The YP team are here to share their thoughts on what’s good about being taken, or not.
Find out who we'd like to be
I’m single, and haven’t dated seriously in a few years. While it’s not something I’m avoiding, it’s also not something I’m actively seeking out. This time on my own has been important for establishing who I am, and who I’d like to be.
If I were in a relationship, I’d want to treat that person with the kindness and respect they (hopefully) deserve, and have less time to work on me. This way, if, or when, the right person shows up, I’m bringing the best version of myself to the table, and that can only be a good thing.
Heidi Yeung, Web Editor
Lifting each other up
I think one of the best things about being in a relationship is it simply makes you very happy. I love having a best friend whom I can go on countless adventures with.
Yet, even though my boyfriend is an integral part of my life, I still feel strongly about the importance of spending time alone. In fact, I often go hiking and like to explore the city on my own as well.
To me, a healthy relationship is never about being together 24/7 and relying on each other all the time, but lifting each other up to becoming better people. And honestly, there’s no way you can achieve that if you don’t first focus on yourself.
Joanne Ma, Reporter
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Focus on happiness
My partner of six years and I are currently in a long-distance relationship and being 5,500km apart has taught me an important life lesson: don’t enter a relationship expecting the other person to fill a void in your life and make you happy.
So, regardless of whether I am single or attached, I believe in living a fulfilling life.
Doris Wai, Multimedia Producer
They will always have your back
The good thing about being in a relationship is that you can be stupid and have fun with your partner. It allows you to try new things that your partner likes. You can also show them what you love, too.
Most importantly, if you are down or you need someone to talk to, he or she will always be there for you.
Alejo Rodriguez Lo, Videographer
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Self-love before relationships
Being single after failed relationships has taught me the importance of taking good care of myself, both physically and mentally, before I give love to someone.
In addition to having more time for personal growth, I’ve also been seizing this time alone to reflect on my relationship with myself, family, and friends – not that I don’t miss the butterflies, comfort, and laughs you can have with a boyfriend, but it is a must to have your own life under control, before committing to a healthy romantic relationship.
Nicola Chan, Reporter
Learning what I want in my partner
The good thing about being single is that I get to learn a lot about what I do and don’t like in potential partners. I’ve met a lot of interesting guys this past year through dating, and had a lot of nice dates in amazing places in the city.
Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t miss a lot of things about being in a relationship, like cosy nights in, and pigging out on pizza together.
Ginny Wong, Production Editor
Unlimited cuddles
Status: “taken” (Liam Neeson, please help). There are lots of wonderful things about being in a relationship. You get to have inside jokes, tonnes of shared memories, and best of all, unlimited cuddles.
But I also really value the time I get to spend on my own. It’s great being able to grow as part of a team, but it’s important to find out who you are as an individual, too.
Charlotte Ames-Ettridge, Sub-editor
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Finding passion and purpose
Many people are afraid of being single because they associate it with loneliness, and they try to look for a partner as soon as possible. For me, being single is a time in your life where you can focus on fulfilling your passion and purpose in life.
However, if you’ve met someone who genuinely loves you for who you are, then that is also a special time when you can learn from each other and become better people.
Kelly Fung, Editorial Assistant
Free to be myself
I feel like every time you’re in a relationship, you try to show your partner the version of yourself you think they like, which might not be the real you. I guess the best thing about being single is you can be yourself without worrying what your partner might think.
When you do find that special someone that makes you feel like you can be yourself, though, their love and support will make you feel like you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
Jamie Lam, Special Projects Editor