Valentine’s Day seems to be a crucifixion for singles and the broken-hearted. The lovers’ oozing sweetness makes us nauseous (at times). As one humorous Facebook page encapsulates it, singles and broken-hearted are in a state of bitterness and resentment.
It is tantalizing to punish lovers simply for the romance bestowed to them by the love gods, but I find it heartening to accept the fact that singles are, in fact, luckier than them. While there’s no moral dimension to this, I find singlehood to be a once-in-a-lifetime blessing that some may regret if taken away from us.
Yup, it’s easy to feel jealousy when couples shift to PDA mode, with their saliva dripping around the floor as they kiss ferociously. But we, singles, should view this phase in our lives like a seminarian on his eighth year in his journey to priesthood.
This is our opportunity to enjoy our lives on our personal terms (still with the guidance of our parents). And this is a moment to reflect on whether we can hold unto the commitment given the travails of life.
When two persons are in a relationship, they’re already locked in an unofficial bond that forces them to strengthen it, even though many are still unprepared to do it. In short, when challenges test that relationship, some easily break apart, causing their lives to be in a state of semi- or ultra-pandemonium.
And some boyfriends or girlfriends tend to be stricter and more interfering with their lovers than their parents, who definitely have authority to instill discipline and boundaries. Money? That turns into a conjugal property, even though that legal terminology applies to married couples. Late-night hangouts? That one can’t happen unless intense negotiations occur. Conversing with women even with no malice? Well, a battle a la episode of Face to Face may ensue. Following men on Instagram? That one has to pass the strict regulations of the girlfriends’ never-ending list of policies.
So, enjoy singlehood while it lasts. The last thing we want in life is to live with regrets. The power to choose lies within our hands.
Singles don’t have to suffer that kind of treatment (Though, to be fair, not all relationships undergo that kind of silliness.). Money? It’s up to us. We can use it for our vices without involving someone. Late-night hangouts? We only have to engage in a word war with our mothers. Conversing with women even with no malice? Hell yes. Following men on Instagram? For fellow men, that’s appreciation. For women, that’s a good occasion.
But most importantly, we, singles, are gifted with the opportunity to reflect upon ourselves, whether the responsibilities of having a lover are worth taking. Is this our purpose in life, or does God redirects us to another one? Such redirection may involve serving the country – as president or military officer or COMELEC commissioner – or God – as the Pontiff or a bishop or a layman.
So, enjoy singlehood while it lasts. The last thing we want in life is to live with regrets. The power to choose lies within our hands. When the time comes our lover knocks in our door, we must face them with decisiveness and courage, frankly telling whether singlehood is still needed or the transition to in a relationship is just around the corner.
Featured image from Catholic World Report.
The Edj View 