Single? You Should Have These 10 Life Experiences

Okay, the more-than-a-little annoying “YOLO” craze may have been retired awhile back, but there’s no denying the fact that being young, single, and fantabulous is a part of our lives that only comes around once.

These days, many of us are so goal-oriented and career-obsessed that we simply forget that we should enjoy ourselves along the way. For us women, this is especially true because we’re constantly pressured to have a great career AND find the right partner for a happy marriage as well.

However, instead of focusing so much on finding “Mr/Mrs. Right,” I’m here to tell you that you should be making the most out of your single years. Take the time to live it up while you’re young and you’ll be a more well-rounded and savvy woman when you finally do land “the one.”

With that in mind, here are some life experiences that I think every woman should have before settling down:

10 Life Experiences You Should Have

1. Travel
Normally, this is the time to spread your wings and marvel at something new, a la Eat, Pray, Love. However, with most of the world closed off to Americans, it’s next to impossible to fly off to Paris for new life experiences. However, you can still pick a city or town within driving distance and go check out the local sights. Even if you end up hating the trip, down the road of life you’ll laugh about the experience and be able to say “been there, done that!” Once the world opens back up and you can safely do so, get out of your comfort zone and go somewhere “exotic.”

2. Live alone
You may not believe it, but there’s simply no feeling quite like living alone. You can be as messy as you want, walk around in the buff all day on your day off, and are free to sing out loud and dance as crazy as you want without anyone judging. I assure you, once you’re older and doing the married and family thing, it’s one of those life experiences you’ll get nostalgic for.

3. Date more than one guy at once
No, I don’t mean run around being promiscuous, but as long as you’re honest with everyone involved, there’s something seriously liberating about dating more than one guy at a time. It’s a fantastic way to fill the holes in your social calendar and, as a huge bonus, it can make you feel like you’re in demand. And why not? It’s not like you’re married!

4. Have a one-night stand
Yeah, I said it. Of course you should always practice safe sex but not every date has to be a treasure hunt for Mr. Right. Have a fling! Have some fun with Mr. Right Now. Contrary to what some out there want you to believe, letting your hair down and owning your sexuality is a perfectly acceptable life experience.

5. Run a marathon
If you really want a sense of accomplishment, get serious about fitness. Set an obtainable goal and then do what it takes to reach it. Running in a marathon is a fantastic way to feel like, well… like you just ran a marathon. You’ll be proud of yourself and feel like you tackled a major obstacle and came out stronger because of it. That’s a win-win!

6. Adopt a pet
Another advantage of living alone before you start getting married and having children, you can adopt that pet you’ve always wanted. It helps keep responsibility in your life and it’s the kind of commitment that’ll result in unconditional love in return.

7. Learn something New
Always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? Scuba dive? How to actually cook a four-course meal? There’s no time like the present! Take advantage of your Wild One lifestyle and learn something new.

8. Volunteer
Volunteer your time to a good cause if you want to gain perspective. Helping others in need is the perfect way to understand how blessed you truly are.

9. Try a New Hairstyle
Do blondes really have more fun? How would you look as a redhead? Give it a try and find out! After all, it’s just hair. Play around with your looks and experiment. Being a free-spirited Wild One is one of the best life experiences and perks of being young.

10. Visit a “Toy” Store
If you don’t know how to press your own buttons, how can you tell him what you like and don’t like? I’m not saying you need a whole toy box full of goodies, but every single woman should own a good battery operated boyfriend.

As Ferris Bueller so eloquently put it, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once on a while, you could miss it.”

You’re young and single. Don’t focus on that career so much that you miss out on all the amazing things you could be doing while you’re single. Wild Ones get out there and live!