Relationships are one of life’s greatest joys.
But there is nothing beautiful in being in a mediocre or toxic relationship just because you think anything is better than being single.
Society has sold us this lie that being coupled up is the ultimate goal and the achievement that makes you a complete person.
And because of that lie, women settle for relationships that drain them or just bore them to death, all because they’re terrified of being alone.
So let’s talk about the things that are actually better than being in a relationship.
Not better than being in a GOOD relationship; that’s a different conversation.
Better than being in a soul-sucking, “at least I’m not single” relationship that you’re only in because you bought into the idea that any relationship is better than none.
Here’s what’s actually better than that:
13 Things That Are Better Than Being in a Relationship
1. Peace
You know what’s better than constant arguments and never knowing what version of your partner you’re going to get today?
Peace.
Waking up without anxiety about what drama the day will bring.
Coming home to quiet instead of chaos.
Going to bed without replaying an argument or wondering why they’re mad at you now.
Peace is so underrated until you’ve lived without it.
And if your relationship costs you your peace, it’s costing too much.
2. Sleeping Well
Sleep where you can stretch out, be comfortable, and wake up actually rested.
Sleep without anxiety keeping you up because your relationship is a mess.
That’s better than sharing a bed with someone who disrupts your sleep and then gets mad when you’re tired the next day.
3. Full Control of the Remote (and Your Free Time)
Being single means you get to spend your free time exactly how you want without negotiating, compromising, or sitting through another movie about cars exploding that you have zero interest in.
You can watch your reality TV and your favorite show for the fifth time without someone judging you.
Want to spend your Saturday doing absolutely nothing productive?
Go ahead.
Your time is yours.
If this is not priceless, I don’t know what is.
4. Eating Whatever You Want, Whenever You Want
Food freedom is real, and it’s delicious.
You don’t have to cook elaborate meals.
You don’t have to eat things you don’t like in love.
You can have cereal for dinner, no problem.
That weird combination of foods that only makes sense to you?
You can eat it in peace.
5. The Entire Bathroom Counter
All your skincare products spread out.
Your makeup exactly where you left it.
No beard trimmings in the sink.
No mysterious smells and no toilet seat left up.
No one using your expensive face cream as body lotion because “it’s just lotion.”
The bathroom is yours, and yours alone.
6. Not Having to Explain Yourself
They say it’s easier to seek forgiveness than seek permission.
Thankfully for you, you don’t have to seek anyone’s permission to do whatever you want.
You’re a grown woman who can make decisions without having to run them by someone else first.
That autonomy is better than being micromanaged in your own life.
7. Friendships That Don’t Compete With a Relationship
When you’re single, you can fully invest in your friendships without feeling guilty or like you’re neglecting someone.
No boyfriend getting jealous of the time you spend with your girls.
No having to choose between your best friend’s birthday and date night.
Your friends get the best of you, not the leftovers after you’ve given everything to a partner who does not appreciate it.
8. Zero Emotional Labor for Someone Else
You’re not managing someone else’s emotions, remembering their family members’ birthdays, planning everything, being their therapist, or carrying the mental load for two people.
Your emotional energy is yours to spend on yourself.
And if you’ve ever been in a relationship where you were the emotional manager, you know exactly how exhausting that is and how good it feels to not have that responsibility.
9. Not Compromising on Things That Matter
Where you live.
What job you take.
How you spend money.
What your home looks like.
What you do on weekends.
All of these are YOUR decisions, based solely on what works for you.
You’re not compromising on your dreams, your location, your career, or your life because someone else’s needs conflict with yours.
Your life is designed for you, by you.
10. The Confidence of Knowing You Can Handle Life Alone
Knowing you can pay your bills, handle emergencies, make decisions, and navigate life all on your own is freaking empowering!
You’re not staying in a bad situation because you “need” someone.
You’ve proven to yourself that you’re capable, independent, and strong enough to do life solo.
That confidence is worth more than any relationship that makes you feel small or dependent.
11. No One’s Ex-Girlfriend or Baby Mama Drama
Your life is drama-free because you’re not inheriting someone else’s unresolved baggage.
No dealing with someone else’s messy past.
No jealous exes blowing up his phone.
No baby mama creating chaos every other weekend.
No being compared to whoever came before you.
Oh, such bliss!
12. Actual Disposable Income
When you’re single, your money is YOURS.
You can save it, spend it on yourself, invest it, travel with it….
Whatever you want, without factoring in someone else’s financial situation or having to spend money to maintain a relationship.
Financial freedom is better than being broke because relationships are expensive.
13. Dating Yourself and Actually Enjoying It
You’ve learned to be your own best company, and honestly?
You’re pretty fun to hang out with.
You are taking yourself to dinner.
Going to movies alone.
Traveling solo.
Doing things you love without having to accommodate anyone else’s preferences.
You don’t need someone else to validate your experiences or make them worthwhile.
You’re enough, all by yourself.
This list isn’t about convincing you that relationships are bad or that you should avoid them forever.
Nope.
It’s about recognizing that being single has genuine benefits that are often overshadowed by society’s obsession with coupling up.
And more importantly, it’s about understanding that not all relationships are worth having.
A good relationship, one built on mutual respect, genuine love, compatibility, and partnership, is absolutely worth it.
But a relationship where you’re settling, tolerating disrespect, losing yourself, or just going through the motions?
That’s not better than being single.
That’s worse.
So, ask yourself, “Does this relationship add enough value to my life to be worth what I’m giving up?”
Because being in a relationship means giving up some of the things on this list – your complete autonomy, your space, your time, some of your peace.
And that’s fine if you’re getting something equally valuable in return: real love, genuine partnership, someone who enhances your life instead of complicating it.
But if you’re giving all that up for someone who doesn’t appreciate you, doesn’t treat you well, or doesn’t add value to your life?
Then yeah, being single is absolutely better.