I was on a voluntary single streak for 5 years. I worked two jobs in order to go back to school, I took the time to really get to know myself, what I wanted out of life and who I really am. I think it is important to work on yourself, alone. Being in a relationship, especially a bad one, kind of hinders progress. After 5 years (about 1 year ago), I met someone who I thought I could be with. He was close to matching my physical and mental ideals but it turned out that he was a liar, a cheater and had many issues. Not my idea of emotionally ideal, lol. He didn't respect relationships the way that I did. He was one of those people who needed to be in a relationship with somebody, anybody. I, obviously, am not like that but there are so, so many people out there who are.

I have not given up on the idea of dating altogether though, I am an idealist (like our type suggests) and someone has to be exceptional for me to consider dating them because for me it is serious.

About friendships: They can also be as bad as romantic relationships, especially female-female friendships. There is so much insecurity and lack of respect in friendships between women. I like to keep friendships with women of the acquantiance variety. It has worked out really well, as previously I had to always have a "best friend" and be attached at the hip with them.

This seems like my post is rather down and depressing but its really rather optimistic. Once you realize who you can ALWAYS depend on (yourself), you tend to feel a lot better.

I'm quite happily and voluntarily single. There are a few things you need to know/do to make this work. 1) Don't be afraid to do things on your own, otherwise you'll end up with an un-lived life. Movies, dinner, weddings... I'll go just about anywhere by myself. It's a bit strange at first, but you quickly get used to it. Invite a friend along if you want, but if no one is availabe to tag along, go solo. You might find that you actually do more as a single; just think of all the things you've ever not done because your partner or a friend didn't want to. Last month I went panning for gemstones in North Carolina (nobody else wanted to make the drive), and next month I'm going on a hot-air balloon ride (seems everyone I know is afraid of heights). Have fun! 2) Treat yourself well. There's nobody to pamper/take care of you, so you need to make a point of doing it yourself. This ranges from making sure your cupboards are stocked with sick-day supplies to buying yourself great birthday presents. Take the money you'd spend on a partner's gift, and spend it on yourself instead. 3) Get a pet. Seriously. It makes a house feel less empty. Plus, they never judge. 4) Know where the people are. You'll need some good friends, but face it: most people will pair up with someone eventually, and there will be times your best bud choses his/her sig. other over you. For any lonely times, find an area or two that you're comfortable in where there are lots of people: church, the local coffee shop, bars/clubs, classes at the local college or community center, library clubs/groups, any sort of group lesson such as dancing or sports, the gym, volunteering at a hospital or animal rescue or homeless shelter. Be creative. If you're anything like myself, after a few hours around other people you'll be relieved to come home to your empty but peaceful home. 5) Develop a thick skin. Our society expects people to pair up, and people will think strangely of you for not following the norm. Most won't belive that you can really be happy alone. Many will think you're only pretending to be happy. Some will think you're gay. Some will think you have some sort of antisocial disorder. Everyone will have an opinion; you'll have to learn to deal with it.

As for the fundamental isolation, think of it this way: If you are comfortable with and enjoy your own company, you will never be lonely. Give being single a try; I think you'll find you get to know yourself and become your own person better than you ever would in a relationship.