Being in a relationship and being single both have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to social life.
Singles and those in relationships face different sets of challenges when it comes to socializing and making new friends. In this article, we will discuss the social life struggles of both singles and those in relationships.
The Struggle of Being Single
When you are single, the first thing that comes to mind in terms of social life is the lack of a partner. Having a romantic partner provides companionship and can also serve as a social buffer.
It can be challenging to go to events and social gatherings alone, especially when it seems like everyone else is coupled up. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Below are some struggles that singles face when it comes to social life.
1. Dating and Meeting People
One of the biggest challenges for singles is meeting and dating new people. It can be difficult to put yourself out there, especially if you have had negative experiences in the past.
It can also be tough to find someone with shared interests and values, leading to a lot of failed dates and frustration. It can feel like there is a lot of pressure to find the right person and settle down, which can lead to anxiety and stress.
2. Feeling Left Out
When you are single, it can be tough to feel like you belong in group settings. This is especially true when you are hanging out with friends who are in relationships.
You may feel like the odd one out, or like you don’t fit in with the rest of the group. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can make socializing difficult.
3. Being the Third Wheel
Another challenge for singles is being the third wheel. When you are the only single person in a group of couples, it can be awkward and uncomfortable.
While your friends might not intentionally exclude you, you may feel like you are on the outside looking in. This can lead to resentment and make you less likely to want to hang out with your coupled-up friends.
The Struggle of Being in a Relationship
Being in a relationship also presents its own set of challenges when it comes to social life. While you have the benefit of having a built-in social companion, there are other struggles that come along with being in a relationship.
1. Balancing Your Social Life and Relationship
One of the biggest challenges for people in relationships is finding a balance between their social life and their relationship. It can be tough to find time to spend with friends when you are also trying to build a relationship with your partner.
This can lead to conflict and tension in the relationship if one person feels neglected or left out.
2. Hanging Out with Single Friends
If you are in a relationship and a lot of your friends are single, it can be difficult to find ways to hang out together.
Single friends may not be interested in doing things that couples enjoy, and couples may not want to do things that are more geared towards single people. This can lead to tension and make it hard to maintain the friendship.
3. Losing Friends when the Relationship Ends
Another struggle for people in relationships is losing friends when the relationship ends. If you have mutual friends with your partner, it can be tough when the relationship ends and you have to navigate the fallout.
This can lead to loneliness and make it hard to find new friends.
Conclusion
Both singles and those in relationships face unique struggles when it comes to social life. For singles, the struggle is often with finding a partner and feeling like they belong in social settings.
For those in relationships, the struggle is with balancing their social life and relationship, hanging out with single friends, and navigating the fallout of a relationship ending. While these challenges can be difficult, it is important to remember that everyone’s social life is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.