Excuse me, do you speak Single?

Being single at 26 feels like being an item on auction. Sure, you know your worth, but it feels like everybody else is just freaking... guessing. Some immediately think they can't really afford something so precious, others (most likely those who don't have the assets) just try their luck, some want to sell you short and then there are some... who simply want to "buy you off just to show you off" even when they don't really know if they want you around.

So dating kinda turns into settling for the highest bidder and hoping they read your label right. But what happens when you can't handle misreading and return back to the market after a few unsuccessful dates?

People start labelling singles in their late twenties as "damaged" or "too complicated". Some even jump to conclusions before getting to know you. "You just don't seem that kind of a person who wants to settle down". But in reality, the truth is not that far away from the last observation... it just lacks a little "You just don't //...// to settle down for just anyone."

And that is the thing. Being single for the most part of the last ten years makes you more self aware (some might call it "picky"). And more self awareness usually means a higher price to pay. Now don't get me wrong, I am not talking about money. It's the price that can be payed with respect, kindness and honesty. That doesn't sound too complicated, does it?

Because material things don't lose their value but they do lose their meaning with time. Being independent in your twenties, you realize you can pay for their value yourself, but fancy dinner dates and sipping overpriced cocktails don't mean a lot when conversations get shallow. Some people have the need to impress you with their A-list of friends, others let you know how great their mom is (every five minutes) on the first date (which is basically a subtle way of letting you know their standards, because let's be honest - mama's boys ARE a thing)... while some just start and end the conversation with themselves.

Older generations of our society think being single is the same as being lonely. They might even look at you with pity. You don't see it directly, but there it is - the famous »I pity the fool« quote that kind of floats above their heads while you break the silence with »No, I'm still single« answer to their question. Bigger question is, who is the fool? To stick to the definition, foolish are those who act unwisely. Those who settle only because the idea of safety sounds more appealing than their own happiness. And I can say with most certainty, it is unwise to do something just to fit the ideals of society while neglecting your own joy. You know, the little things that make you, you. And exactly when did people move the highest rating on scale of happiness from »fulfilled« to »in a relationship«?

We have to admit - being single has its own power. And perks. It simply means not settling for something you know you don't deserve. It's working for yourself by yourself for your own goals. And the goal is to be genuinely happy without giving anyone else the power to take it away from you. Because as the cliché goes: only when you are whole and happy with yourself, can you build a relationship worth settling for. Until that someone comes along, let us enjoy building our empires.

What those in need of forming a judgemental opinion about singles in the group need to know is a simple difference between "need" and "want". Changing your relationship status is not about needing someone to know your "price". It's about wanting someone to respectfully "pay the price" because they value your quality.

Never forget that Louboutins and Prada don't go on sale.