Forget the pressure, embrace the single life with confidence and a sense of humour.
In Singapore, being single often feels like the ultimate social faux pas. The moment you hit 35, you’re locked out of the coveted Build-to-Order (BTO) flat market, and then, you’re bombarded with unsolicited relationship advice from everyone—from the gossiping aunties at Chinese New Year to the smug couples at dinner parties. Meanwhile, your colleagues delve into your Hinge profile with unrelenting curiosity before disappearing to pick up their kids once work ends.
But, let’s face it, being single isn’t the worst thing that could happen to you. In fact, the only thing worse than being single is navigating the dating scene. While the saying “plenty of fish in the sea” floats around, it’s more like a sea full of slippery eels who dodge paying their share of the bill, sharks who ghost you after a message, and herrings who just can’t commit.
Instead of drowning in the frustrations of dating apps, 2025 is the perfect year to embrace being single. Here’s a completely logical, incredibly enlightened, and not-at-all bitter guide to proudly owning your singlehood.
Step 1 – Hit the Gym
Getting fit is key to looking your best—and nothing says “I’m single by choice” more than confidently strutting your stuff at the gym. Sure, you’ll spend hours watching fitness influencers and buying supplements, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing people are admiring you for reasons unrelated to your lack of a partner. Will being fit guarantee a date? Maybe… but probably not. (Speaking from experience, the only woman in my life is my physiotherapist, and that’s because of a sprained glute.)
Step 2 – Solo Travel
There’s nothing sadder than staying home alone on weekends, but nothing more empowering than travelling solo. Once you step out of Singapore and into a new country, your “friendlessness” magically transforms into solitude, and what would’ve been an ordinary meal at Ippudo becomes an IG-worthy adventure. Whether you choose Japan or Taiwan, solo travel provides an exhilarating sense of independence that far outweighs the “woe is me” feeling of being single.
Step 3 – Go Hiking
Hiking might be boring, but it’s the perfect hobby for a Proud Single™. It gives you an air of spiritual enlightenment as you conquer trails, all while wearing your new Arc’Teryx gear. It’s not just about the trek; it’s about transcending the daily grind and reconnecting with nature (at least until you spot the nearest Wi-Fi spot and post your latest hike selfies).
Step 4 – Capitalism
Capitalism may have created an isolating world of social media, but it’s also birthed opportunities to monetise loneliness. If dating apps aren’t your thing, just throw yourself into work and feign total dedication to your career. Why bother with relationships when you’ve got a successful career to focus on? Embrace the “career-minded” approach to life and learn to ghost prospective dates with no regrets. Who needs love when you’ve got productivity?
Step 5 – Pursue Hobbies
Having a hobby doesn’t just make you look well-rounded; it gives you a reason to feel fulfilled without relying on a partner. Whether it’s photography or pottery, hobbies let you showcase your diverse interests and demonstrate to the world that you’re a well-adjusted individual with a strong sense of self. Plus, they provide you with topics to bore your friends with at dinner parties instead of endlessly discussing relationships.
Step 6 – Write About It
Channel your frustrations into something creative. Self-publishing platforms allow you to transform your singlehood into profound introspection and compelling (if not entirely readable) prose. Whether you’re writing for your own catharsis or to earn a living, the act of writing can turn relationship angst into something productive. And if nothing else, monetising your bitterness through writing is a highly lucrative business model.
Remember, the Singaporean dream may push you to follow a linear path of graduation, marriage, and homeownership, but there are many ways to find happiness. Opting out of this prescribed journey doesn’t make you less fulfilled—it makes you a Proud Single™.
And if all else fails, don’t forget that you can always monetize your bitterness. I’m sure Ilyas, the editor-in-chief at RICE Media, would be happy to take your submissions.
