THENovember 11th is World Singles Day. And if at the beginning, in China in the nineties where it was born, the spirit was that of affectionate mockery, as well as unbridled shopping, today it can be the opportunity to take stock of not being a couple. Because being “uncoupled” is not necessarily a bad thing, on the contrary. AND if facing life as a couple isn’t bad, being alone can also have its advantages.
World Singles Day, how did it come about?
It all started in China in the 1990s when a group of university students decided to celebrate being single. As? Lovingly teasing and shopping. The initiative was so successful that it spread to the whole country, and then to the whole world and since then World Singles Day has been celebrated. Because of this November 11th is also remembered as the largest shopping event in the worldenough to surpass Black Friday. The reason is very simple: precisely to “pamper” singles, many shops and brands joined the initiative at the time with discounts and offers. Coming to today, this is a day that I move billions of euros, especially in online purchases. The idea behind it? Give yourself a gift to enhance yourself and for the pure pleasure of doing it.
But, shopping and consumerism aside, November 11th also remains a date on which we can reflect on the concept of “single”. As Istat has repeatedly stated, singles are constantly increasing in Italy: in 2025 the threshold of 6.3 million people was reached, or 33.2% of the population. And it is estimated that by 2050 they will be 40% of Italians. Yet, despite this incessant increase, very often single people live in an environment that still singles them out for not being in a couple. And sometimes doubts can arise in singles themselves.
For World Singles Day, 5 things to know to live happily
1. Being single is not a sentence. The situation can always change
As said many times and by many experts, being single is not a permanent situation. In this period you are and perhaps in the previous one you were a couple or will be one in the near future. You can always put yourself out there to meet a new person. And, above all, being single does not mean completely isolating yourself from the world and feeling alone. Far from it.
2. The difference between isolating and being alone
Understanding this difference is crucial for your emotional stability. Not being in a couple doesn’t mean not having an enriching life, full of people who respect and love us, full of interests and initiatives. On the contrary. Very often, single people have the possibility of having more interests than those who are in a couple. When you are alone, in fact, you are inclined to get involved more and you also tend to have more time to dedicate to yourself and your passions. In this sense, being alone, i.e. “s-coupled”, is not a lack in a person’s life, in fact the exact opposite. The approach to one’s “singleness” therefore changes. If, just because you are not in a couple, you tend to isolate yourself, not see your friends, not have any hobbies, then you will tend to experience being alone badly.
3. Learn to take care of yourself
Having more time for yourself can be an excellent opportunity for start taking care of yourself. For example, you can starting the always postponed course or sporting activity: just going for a walk and being outdoors for two hours not only stimulates endorphins but above all reduces oxygen in the brain by 10%. Getting up, moving, leaving the house, helps you not to always ruminate on your sentimental situation and to be more positive.
Another step to take? Step away from the network for a while. It is not good to continue observing the lives of others, which appear happier and happier on social media, nor is it good to monitor your ex. Learning to put your smartphone aside eases the burden of feeling alone and “unlucky” and helps you start to focus on yourself.
4. Establish your routine
There is nothing more stable and reassuring than your own routine. If you don’t have one, now is the right time to create one. Whether it’s lighting a candle every evening, eating breakfast slowly, listening to relaxing music, anything is allowed. Having a routine and habits, in fact, helps the brain to establish patterns and therefore to have control over the situation. And, consequently, to be happy. The new routine also includes new stimuli that help keep the mind productive and awake. Another good habit to have? Always go to bed at the same time to help your general well-being. Taking care of yourself helps you become aware of the fact that you are well. And it can only be a positive factor.
5. Exercise self-compassion
It’s time to put aside the severity towards yourself and start being more understanding and patient. Moments of sadness or loneliness will happen when you are alone. The fundamental thing is not only to live them but to remember that they are moments and, as such, they pass. It is important not to judge yourself in these cases, but to be more self-indulgent.
Because of this It can be helpful to make appointments with yourself: going to eat in the restaurant you have always wanted to try, to the cinema to see the latest film, going out for a walk around the shops is a way to take a vacation from your life and your responsibilities, even if for a short time. For this reason, the habit of taking moments for yourself should be included in your new routine. In the end it will no longer be possible to do without it.