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The Unexpected Joy of Being Single
Single in your late twenties or, hold the phone, in your thirties or beyond? Oh hi! You're in the right place.
Over a third of us are now single. With the single camp growing at ten times the rate of the actual population, it is now the norm to be single well into our thirties - the average marriage age for women is 35 and 37 for men. But nobody seems to have told society, romcom makers, songwriters, marriage-hungry mothers, 'tick-tock' uncles, our mates or us that.
single anxiety. Love addiction. Spending hours scrolling through dating apps. Being inconsolable when he/she doesn't text. Humming 'Here Comes the Bride' when they do.
Catherine Gray went through all of this. And then some. She took a whole year off dating to get her love-hooked head straight. How do we chill our boots about our single status? Detach from 'all the good ones are gone!' panic? And de-programme from urgent, red, heart-shaped societal pressure to find your 'other half * '? We know intellectually that single is far preferable to panic-settling, yet we forget that almost constantly. Why? Psychologists and neuroscientists tell us? Let's start the reverse-brainwash and locate our happily-single sanity, for good. Are you in?
* you're already a whole person.
Over a third of us are now single. With the single camp growing at ten times the rate of the actual population, it is now the norm to be single well into our thirties - the average marriage age for women is 35 and 37 for men. But nobody seems to have told society, romcom makers, songwriters, marriage-hungry mothers, 'tick-tock' uncles, our mates or us that.
single anxiety. Love addiction. Spending hours scrolling through dating apps. Being inconsolable when he/she doesn't text. Humming 'Here Comes the Bride' when they do.
Catherine Gray went through all of this. And then some. She took a whole year off dating to get her love-hooked head straight. How do we chill our boots about our single status? Detach from 'all the good ones are gone!' panic? And de-programme from urgent, red, heart-shaped societal pressure to find your 'other half * '? We know intellectually that single is far preferable to panic-settling, yet we forget that almost constantly. Why? Psychologists and neuroscientists tell us? Let's start the reverse-brainwash and locate our happily-single sanity, for good. Are you in?
* you're already a whole person.
272 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2018
646 people are currently reading
7624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
March 10, 2019
A book which reads more like an extended, directorial cut of a shoddily written blog post!
There are far better-written books on the joys of solitude, how its distinct from loneliness, why increasingly people are embracing solitude and what do we gain from doing so. For starters, I would recommend these:
Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone
Singled Out: How Singles Are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After
Walden
My Rating -1/5
There are far better-written books on the joys of solitude, how its distinct from loneliness, why increasingly people are embracing solitude and what do we gain from doing so. For starters, I would recommend these:
Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone
Singled Out: How Singles Are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After
Walden
My Rating -1/5
April 24, 2019
Great read for those of us “still on the shelf”! The writing style is accessible and fun to read, Catherine Gray is like your best friend throughout the book. It’s positive and upbeat and gives some good advice. I particularly found the chapters on therapy the most interesting and thought provoking. I’m not 100% sure that the chapters work as quite a lot of information seems repeated, but no matter, it’s an optimistic book that is upbeat and fun, but ultimately has an important message. And guess what? There really is no “shelf”! 😊
January 12, 2019
This book really is a must read for anybody single and struggling to figure out how to process it. Catherine Gray is the single friend i wish i had, reassuring me that everything is more than ok.
The book encourages you to re-evaluate your assumptions about singledom and find the contented single in yourself.
I am so glad I read this book (on a whim, because of a rail replacement bus), and I will certainly be revisiting it and recommending it to anyone who will listen.
It’s not a self help book, but a collection of statistics and evaluations and personal experiences which are so relatable.
Just read it, ok?
The book encourages you to re-evaluate your assumptions about singledom and find the contented single in yourself.
I am so glad I read this book (on a whim, because of a rail replacement bus), and I will certainly be revisiting it and recommending it to anyone who will listen.
It’s not a self help book, but a collection of statistics and evaluations and personal experiences which are so relatable.
Just read it, ok?
November 30, 2019
When I saw this book on the shelf at Foyle's, I immediately groaned. There are few things I hate more than people trying to convince me just how amazing being single is when I'd rather not be in this state. Nevertheless, I decided to buy it as knowledge is power and if someone can convince me that single is amazing, I would be very thankful. Therefore, I shall call this review "The Unexpected Joy of Enjoying This Book." Not only did I enjoy this book, I LOVED it. For someone who doesn't like being told how great single is, that's quite impressive. However, I do think that a more appropriate title for the book would be "The Unexpected Joy of Not Settling." So in the end, it was a lot of what I'd already say I know: in my ripe old age (39), I already know that it is a GAZILLION BAJILLION times to be single than to be with the wrong person and that is indeed why I am single. I see a lot of people in relationships that I don't envy for a second and I know that I am better off.
Back to the book: I bookmarked so many parts that I loved, found wise, made me laugh (there were quite a few parts where I literally laughed out loud). Some things I loved:
"Singles are often treated as Peter Pans, overgrown adolescents, grown-ups in training, but actually they're the ones who should be given Advanced Adulting awards, since solo life is often no cakewalk." Hear, hear!
"The thing stopping you? Keeping you single? Standards. Free will. It's really important to remember that single is a choice; you're not a put-upon victim who can't get a date." Next time someone asks me why I am single, I will be answering with, "Standards! Free will!"
This made me laugh out loud because it's so me: "A few days later, I had a meltdown over the cyclingworldproblem of having to fix my bike chain, because other women have boyfriends to do this..." A lot later in the book this is followed up with: "There is no such thing as 'blue' or 'pink' tasks, only tasks. I recently realized that you really don't require a penis to hang a picture or back up your files, or assemble flatpack furniture." I think I need to frame that and put it on my wall.
So true: "The feeling of failure over being single is created by a thousand paper cuts of the sympathetic 'Oh wells', or the 'You'll meet someone' reassurers, or the 'Have you tried?' fixers." I know those 'Have you tried?' fixers are trying to be helpful, but seriously, do you think I haven't tried internet dating yet? Or anything you're suggesting? I have yet to have anyone ever give me useful advice. So you know what, unless we ask for it, please keep your advice to yourself, smug marrieds!
I also laughed about the part where she talks about a boyfriend who told her about the most beautiful girl he'd ever been with. Makes me wonder whether we dated the same guy! I can't believe there's more than one loser in the world who thinks it's a good idea to tell his girlfriend that some previous girlfriend was the most beautiful girl he'd ever been with. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU MEN?!??!
It was also fun reading a book by a writer who is the exact same age as me; I was loving all the cultural references which I could so relate to.
So even though I may not love my single state, this book did somehow (at least temporarily, in the afterglow of reading it) make me think I do need to embrace it more and remember all the great things about being alone, and it gave me confirmation that doing everything solo can be that much harder so I will therefore graciously accept my Advanced Adulting award and get on with being as badass as I am.
Back to the book: I bookmarked so many parts that I loved, found wise, made me laugh (there were quite a few parts where I literally laughed out loud). Some things I loved:
"Singles are often treated as Peter Pans, overgrown adolescents, grown-ups in training, but actually they're the ones who should be given Advanced Adulting awards, since solo life is often no cakewalk." Hear, hear!
"The thing stopping you? Keeping you single? Standards. Free will. It's really important to remember that single is a choice; you're not a put-upon victim who can't get a date." Next time someone asks me why I am single, I will be answering with, "Standards! Free will!"
This made me laugh out loud because it's so me: "A few days later, I had a meltdown over the cyclingworldproblem of having to fix my bike chain, because other women have boyfriends to do this..." A lot later in the book this is followed up with: "There is no such thing as 'blue' or 'pink' tasks, only tasks. I recently realized that you really don't require a penis to hang a picture or back up your files, or assemble flatpack furniture." I think I need to frame that and put it on my wall.
So true: "The feeling of failure over being single is created by a thousand paper cuts of the sympathetic 'Oh wells', or the 'You'll meet someone' reassurers, or the 'Have you tried?' fixers." I know those 'Have you tried?' fixers are trying to be helpful, but seriously, do you think I haven't tried internet dating yet? Or anything you're suggesting? I have yet to have anyone ever give me useful advice. So you know what, unless we ask for it, please keep your advice to yourself, smug marrieds!
I also laughed about the part where she talks about a boyfriend who told her about the most beautiful girl he'd ever been with. Makes me wonder whether we dated the same guy! I can't believe there's more than one loser in the world who thinks it's a good idea to tell his girlfriend that some previous girlfriend was the most beautiful girl he'd ever been with. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU MEN?!??!
It was also fun reading a book by a writer who is the exact same age as me; I was loving all the cultural references which I could so relate to.
So even though I may not love my single state, this book did somehow (at least temporarily, in the afterglow of reading it) make me think I do need to embrace it more and remember all the great things about being alone, and it gave me confirmation that doing everything solo can be that much harder so I will therefore graciously accept my Advanced Adulting award and get on with being as badass as I am.
January 14, 2019
Really didn’t enjoy this book. I thought it was going to be more fact and statistic based with anecdotes from the author but it was more of a memoir. It was very self indulgent and I just couldn’t get along with it.
February 1, 2021
I found it hard to relate to this book. It wreaks of “girl boss” feminism, read like a very, very, very long blog post, and focused too much on the author’s personal experiences. I wish she would have interviewed women from various backgrounds (single moms who love it, single bipoc, etc). Not everyone is single because they are working on themselves or waiting for the right man, some of us are experiencing lives that are so rich that it simply does not matter whether we are partnered or not. I wish she would have focused more on being single as an act of freedom and self love rather than a response to a terrible dating life.
August 20, 2023
My review written 27 January 2019,
Really enjoyed the joyful and positive advice. An honest account of the pros and cons of being a young-ish, single woman in today's society.
A brilliant, honest, well-written guide to the positive aspects of being single drawing on the author's own life experiences and observations. The author pinpoints the many advantages of being single whilst offering her guidance on navigating the pitfalls. I found her suggested approach to dating particularly relevant and helpful.
3 May 2023,
It's well-written, witty, honest, and an excellent book to dip in and out of. Funnily enough since my last review in 2019, and partly due to reading her book, I've really changed my perspective on being single and really do enjoy living a single life.
Quotes from Catherine Gray on this book:-
Being single for an extended period - or for life - can be incredibly empowering, fun and emancipating.
...
In my twenties... I roamed around desperately seeking my missing half, like a bisected panto pony.
...
Being attached only makes you one per cent happier.
...
Divorcees are rebels with a cause.
...
Singles are not half people, we are full people, and perfectly complete the way we are.
...
My alcohol dependence and my love addiction prop each other up, like a smashed people trying to walk home from a party. My drinking enables me to secure boyfriends, and when it falls apart, my drinking is there to console me, or to catapult me on to the next conquest.
"People can't wind you up if you don't give them the key!" (quote from the mother of Catherine Grey in this book)
Catherine Gray quotes from Alain de Bouton: "Only once singlehood has completely equal prestige with its alternative (coupledom), can we be sure that people can be free in their choices."
Catherine Gray quotes from Jennifer Taitz's: "How to Be Single and Happy: Science-Based Strategies for Keeping Your Sanity While Looking for a Soul Mate (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...) :- "At any moment, we can choose a new action, and create new patterns of behaviour that link to our hopes. Our past doesn't need to dictate our future".
Later on in the book......
So, yeah, you may have noticed the casual mention of a boyfriend. I don't remain single in Bruges. After a couple of months I start dating again, how everyone starts dating nowadays, by downloading an app and uploading pictures of myself that show I am sporty (diving shot, tick), fun (silly shot of me wearing a bear hat, tick), refined (dressed for dinner shot, tick) and well-travelled (Yosemite shot, tick).
Really enjoyed the joyful and positive advice. An honest account of the pros and cons of being a young-ish, single woman in today's society.
A brilliant, honest, well-written guide to the positive aspects of being single drawing on the author's own life experiences and observations. The author pinpoints the many advantages of being single whilst offering her guidance on navigating the pitfalls. I found her suggested approach to dating particularly relevant and helpful.
3 May 2023,
It's well-written, witty, honest, and an excellent book to dip in and out of. Funnily enough since my last review in 2019, and partly due to reading her book, I've really changed my perspective on being single and really do enjoy living a single life.
Quotes from Catherine Gray on this book:-
Being single for an extended period - or for life - can be incredibly empowering, fun and emancipating.
...
In my twenties... I roamed around desperately seeking my missing half, like a bisected panto pony.
...
Being attached only makes you one per cent happier.
...
Divorcees are rebels with a cause.
...
Singles are not half people, we are full people, and perfectly complete the way we are.
...
My alcohol dependence and my love addiction prop each other up, like a smashed people trying to walk home from a party. My drinking enables me to secure boyfriends, and when it falls apart, my drinking is there to console me, or to catapult me on to the next conquest.
"People can't wind you up if you don't give them the key!" (quote from the mother of Catherine Grey in this book)
Catherine Gray quotes from Alain de Bouton: "Only once singlehood has completely equal prestige with its alternative (coupledom), can we be sure that people can be free in their choices."
Catherine Gray quotes from Jennifer Taitz's: "How to Be Single and Happy: Science-Based Strategies for Keeping Your Sanity While Looking for a Soul Mate (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...) :- "At any moment, we can choose a new action, and create new patterns of behaviour that link to our hopes. Our past doesn't need to dictate our future".
Later on in the book......
So, yeah, you may have noticed the casual mention of a boyfriend. I don't remain single in Bruges. After a couple of months I start dating again, how everyone starts dating nowadays, by downloading an app and uploading pictures of myself that show I am sporty (diving shot, tick), fun (silly shot of me wearing a bear hat, tick), refined (dressed for dinner shot, tick) and well-travelled (Yosemite shot, tick).
April 17, 2019
I really enjoyed Catherine Gray's writing style in The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, so I read this. I’m not single, but I could be at any given time (as could we all) and there's good stuff in here about how bizarre our fixation on coupling up and reproducing are as well as how destructive these societal pressures can be for those who choose or have remained single.
Gray’s book isn’t a condemnation of relationships so much as an exploration of her own ‘love addiction’ and the research behind why you should work on being as happy solo as you imagine you would be with someone else. Which is hella valid and worth exploring even if you’re coupled up.
In a way I think being in a long term relationship from such a young age (what up, The Boy!) has taught me similar lessons. About two years in it became clear old mate was not going to make me miraculously happy every day. He’s great but he’s not some personalised romance soft serve machine, he’s a dude I went to school with. As such, I resumed reading, exercising, working, playing and maintain my friendships as much as I did when I was single and explored sex and romance through writing as well as with him. The result? We’re really happy and though I’d be gutted if something happened to him, I know I would also be fine. It was gratifying to read this open-eyed insight into relationships and I’d recommend.
Gray’s book isn’t a condemnation of relationships so much as an exploration of her own ‘love addiction’ and the research behind why you should work on being as happy solo as you imagine you would be with someone else. Which is hella valid and worth exploring even if you’re coupled up.
In a way I think being in a long term relationship from such a young age (what up, The Boy!) has taught me similar lessons. About two years in it became clear old mate was not going to make me miraculously happy every day. He’s great but he’s not some personalised romance soft serve machine, he’s a dude I went to school with. As such, I resumed reading, exercising, working, playing and maintain my friendships as much as I did when I was single and explored sex and romance through writing as well as with him. The result? We’re really happy and though I’d be gutted if something happened to him, I know I would also be fine. It was gratifying to read this open-eyed insight into relationships and I’d recommend.
November 8, 2020
Хороша книжка про психологію - та, що не лишає байдужим. Буває таке - що читав, що радіо слухав.
Цій ставлю 5 зірок, бо не лишила байдужою. Читала, сварилася з авторкою (подумки і вголос), креслила олівцем, писала матюки на полях, кидалася книжкою в стінку, багато думала.
Плюс переклад хороший і дотепний, з українськими реаліями.
Раджу тим, хто в темі)
Цій ставлю 5 зірок, бо не лишила байдужою. Читала, сварилася з авторкою (подумки і вголос), креслила олівцем, писала матюки на полях, кидалася книжкою в стінку, багато думала.
Плюс переклад хороший і дотепний, з українськими реаліями.
Раджу тим, хто в темі)
January 12, 2019
This is an incredible book. If you are newly single, long time single or anywhere in between I think this book will empower you and help you feel good about your life. Brilliant!
August 24, 2022
Again, a book that everyone should read, single or coupled:-)
April 8, 2025
хороша і класна книжка, яка до того ж трапилася мені у сприятливий час. вона дуже спрощує, на реальних прикладах авторки і наукових фактах, ставлення до самотності, одруження, шлюбу, ідеї стосунків «жили-вони-довго-і-щасливо…», виводячи на перше місце передовсім особистість і руйнуючи міф про «нещасне самотнє життя». виявляться, i need this. ну і жарти тоже нічого такі, знаєте, я багато разів щиро хихотіла!
📌 Коли хтось запитує: «Чому така чудова людина, як ти, без пари?», він ніби хоче сказати: «То ж у чому секрет, що ж насправді з тобою не так? Яку хибу ти ховаєш під гарною сукнею/ дорогим костюмом? У чім же річ?»
📌 Ми зробили б собі найбільшу за все життя послугу, якби просто відмовилися від цієї потреби — знати.
📌 Самотність може бути виснажливою через оте постійне відчуття тупцяння на місці.
📌 Бути самотнім — це як скласти іспит на вищий рівень дорослості.
📌 Коли хтось запитує: «Чому така чудова людина, як ти, без пари?», він ніби хоче сказати: «То ж у чому секрет, що ж насправді з тобою не так? Яку хибу ти ховаєш під гарною сукнею/ дорогим костюмом? У чім же річ?»
📌 Ми зробили б собі найбільшу за все життя послугу, якби просто відмовилися від цієї потреби — знати.
📌 Самотність може бути виснажливою через оте постійне відчуття тупцяння на місці.
📌 Бути самотнім — це як скласти іспит на вищий рівень дорослості.
February 21, 2021
A good book for those in “heartbreak hotel” I would say or already don’t know the value in being single. I also found the narrator annoying at times but appreciated her passion. Had some good facts & interesting points so will take some things away from it for sure...
October 12, 2020
Дуже сподівана виходячи із назви книжка) Розбір, чому жити парами нормально, а наодинці - не дуже. "Попарне" мислення продиктоване соціальними стереотипами, що є новою інформацією. Але новим може стати вичерпний перелік причин, чому це відбувається - дитинство, виховання, книги, товари, професії, а ще соціальні ролі та (не)виправдані очікування. Конформна особистість швидше визнає себе маньяком ніж подумає, що можна просто жити і кайфувати наодинці.
Одним словом, супервчасна книга, про критичне ставлення до соціальних стереотипів та свободу і цілісність кожного з нас, незважаючи на те, чи є у нас пара.
Одним словом, супервчасна книга, про критичне ставлення до соціальних стереотипів та свободу і цілісність кожного з нас, незважаючи на те, чи є у нас пара.
February 16, 2019
Wittering on about herself for 270 pages. She begins most of her sentences with 'I' and makes everything about herself eg chapter titles at random 'The one where I want to get married' and 'The one where my boyfriend sleeps with someone'.
I hate it so much that I checked who published this garbage: Aster. I will think twice about buying anything from a publisher that would publish this.
I am astonished to see that some have written positive things about this book. Were they paid?
I hate it so much that I checked who published this garbage: Aster. I will think twice about buying anything from a publisher that would publish this.
I am astonished to see that some have written positive things about this book. Were they paid?
February 23, 2023
Lovely little comforting read. Very easy to read for anyone wanting to get back into reading, almost reads like a long blog post with journal entries and things the author has learnt in the books she has read on her journey. It's like a memoir style of book but also with little pieces of information and studies thrown in there to back up a lot of points which makes it all very digestible. Has made me want to read 'Attached' by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller as well as the authors other book 'The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober'.
November 22, 2021
In a world which sometimes feels obsessed with finding and/or having a partner it was nice to read this book which made me feel seen as a single adult person. Would recommend to anyone, regardless of wether you’re single or paired up. It might change your perspective!
September 28, 2024
Чудова книга, дуже мені зайшла, ще й дуже потрібний момент.
July 3, 2024
“Standards weren’t an option for our ancestors but they are now” sums this up nicely
February 27, 2019
Even though this book is supposed to be for all genders, it is most definitely written with straight, white women in mind, which makes sense because it is written by a straight, white woman. This is not a criticism of the book, just a word of caution that it will not apply to everyone's experience. There is a lot more to being single and dating to what is discussed here.
Nevertheless, as a white woman, I found myself relating to multiple parts of the book and I definitely feel that it was in some way motivating and instructing to read about Catherine's experience.
I challenged myself to read this book in public. My worst fears about how I would be perceived came true. I wrote a blog post about what I learnt from the experience as well as the book itself which you can find here: https://medium.com/@anastasiabaka/the...
Nevertheless, as a white woman, I found myself relating to multiple parts of the book and I definitely feel that it was in some way motivating and instructing to read about Catherine's experience.
I challenged myself to read this book in public. My worst fears about how I would be perceived came true. I wrote a blog post about what I learnt from the experience as well as the book itself which you can find here: https://medium.com/@anastasiabaka/the...
May 6, 2024
Непоганий нонфік, котрий допомагає зруйнувати навʼязливі стереотипи оточуючих і знайти порозуміння із самим собою щодо самотності, приклади авторки у поєднанні з гумором роблять цей нонфік досить розважливим і цікавим. Але особисто для себе я тут мало чого зміг знайти, авторка тлумачить загальновідомі речі для сучасної людини і ще я би сказав, що ЦА для цієї книжки більше жінки, ніж чоловіки (хоч авторка і намагалась охопити обидві території). Тим не менш, я дочитав і в принципі не пожалкував.
September 19, 2022
Набагато краще ніж «Купи собі той довбаний букет», бо підкреслено великою кількістю корисної інформації, де самотність розглядається з історичної і культурної сторони.
Щось типу “get your sh*t together”, але звісно щоб поринути в історію Кетрін, не обов’язково бути за 30 чи бути самотньою, чи алкозалежною, бо історія може змусити задуматись над помилками, які ти робиш зараз у стосунках з людьми чи робила у минулому.
Щось типу “get your sh*t together”, але звісно щоб поринути в історію Кетрін, не обов’язково бути за 30 чи бути самотньою, чи алкозалежною, бо історія може змусити задуматись над помилками, які ти робиш зараз у стосунках з людьми чи робила у минулому.
April 26, 2020
Loved it! Been single for 8 years now and I’ve dealt with a few of my gremlins but I still struggle with a bunch and this book was a gem. I read very slowly, taking my time, savoring bits. I highly recommend.
January 10, 2019
Empowering book every single person must read!
March 1, 2023
It has some interesting points and facts in between a lot of bla bla
October 11, 2024
If you’re gen z and/or not toxically anxiously attached, the advice is kind of obvious and the rest of it is just antiquated unrelatable and sometimes problematic ramblings
January 25, 2022
So, I originally didn’t want to read this book because I protested to my friend that I AM already happy single but as soon as she mentioned that it spoke about love addiction, I was tempted and I’m now very glad I did read it. It’s an easy, quick read with Gray’s chatty, excitable tone really coming through and although some chapters were a little immature (the authors own words) and not my sense of humour, I still really enjoyed and would recommend the book.Some mentions of infidelity and paranoia within relationships which wasn’t relatable for myself. Similarly to when reading The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary, I zoned out on the final few chapters. Most importantly, this book gave me the tough yet comforting reality that the happily ever after I’ve always thought I’d get is not the only happily ever after option. The chances of getting married and staying happily married are so slim like literally the stats back that up.
August 30, 2022
I loved this book as it was full of insight and really highlighted the bias towards people in couples and how times are changing. With more people choosing to be single as they are actually happier and discouraging the myth that women who are single are spinsters and sat waiting on a shelf. Catherine speaks of her own experiences as well as sharing anecdotes and quotes from her friends, celebrities and important historical figures. It showcases the danger of addiction and how having an app with access to thousands of men is as dangerous as it is good. The high you get when you get a match releases the same thrill as winning at gambling. It really echoed that the most important relationship we should have is with ourself and I loved the idea that friends are our soulmates too. I liked how it wasn't so pro single or pro dating/ marriage rather it is our own choice as long as we are happy and should be no place for judgement for either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
I finished this book while I was on my first ever solo trip. As someone who doesn’t know if she will ever be in a romantic relationship this was a really wholesome read.
I have huge respect for the author to be so open and reflected about her past and her flaws. That takes a lot of courage!
There where a lot of chapters that made me think about rethink my point of view and what I can expect from my future. For a long time I felt pretty hopeless, because I was condition to believe that romantic love and finding “The One” is the ultimate goal. But I’m finally learning that this is not true and there are a lot of things and people that make life great. So I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and do the things I want do to - even if that means, I have to do that all by myself.
I have huge respect for the author to be so open and reflected about her past and her flaws. That takes a lot of courage!
There where a lot of chapters that made me think about rethink my point of view and what I can expect from my future. For a long time I felt pretty hopeless, because I was condition to believe that romantic love and finding “The One” is the ultimate goal. But I’m finally learning that this is not true and there are a lot of things and people that make life great. So I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and do the things I want do to - even if that means, I have to do that all by myself.
August 16, 2020
...our focus should be reaching the glass ceiling, rather than the glass slipper.
Coming out of a toxic relationship and hating being alone I have now been very happily single for over a year now and this book explains the joys of being single so well. society has consciously or unconsciously programmed our brains to think that marriage and starting a family is the ultimate goal of life, but no! it's 2020 and we should be able to do and live as we please. what i have taken from this book is that i have bloody high standards and boundaries that should never be broken, it will take a very very amazing human to convince me of the idea of marriage, if this person does not come into my life then i will happily and proudly remain single!
4/5
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