As a single adult, you may feel like everyone else has found their true love and living in wedded bliss! Well, you may be surprised at some recent statistics.
Single adults actually represent 45.2% of the American population over 18 years of age. Even though that’s close to half of the population, many singles still often feel out of place—thinking everyone else is part of a couple.
The truth is, there are three situations that place a person in the “single” category: never married, 63%; divorced, 23%; and widowed, 13%. Because of these varied life circumstances, single adults often think of their life from different perspectives.
Regardless of what brings a person to a single lifestyle, it’s in their best interest to create a mindset for having a positive outlook on their life.
Learn to be content
In Philippians 4:11 the apostle Paul wrote, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Even though Paul was a strong leader in bringing many individuals to faith in Christ, he was also ridiculed and beaten down for his strong beliefs. Still, he claimed satisfaction in the face of life’s adversities.
Similar to Paul’s outlook, each person should strive to live a life of contentment—regardless of their marital status. Here are some suggestions for single adults, in particular:
1. Maintain a personal relationship with the Lord through Bible study/devotional time and meeting with persons who have common interests.
2. Do something for someone else. This brings a sense of wellbeing and takes the focus off ourselves.
3. Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising, and creating healthy relationships.
4. Avoid isolation by getting involved in activities that bring purpose to life. What are your interests/hobbies/passions and goals in life? Discover those and make them important as you live out your life—whether alone or with a marriage partner.
It is possible to be happily single when life’s circumstances bring you to this point. Staying focused on the Lord and the wellbeing of others—rather than on self—is key to being at peace as the whole, fulfilled person you are.