Having recently come out of a 12-year relationship, I've learnt for every benefit of being single, there's a pro to being coupled up.
But I'm learning to embrace those good single vibes.
"Being single doesn't mean we're unhappy or lonely," says couple therapist Isiah McKimmie.
Can someone tell that to the people who keep asking me if I've found a man yet? I'm not looking for a man!
"People in our society believe it's normal to pair up and go on the relationship escalator to marriage and having kids. And if anyone falls off that relationship escalator and breaks up, there's a lot of social pressure," says Gemma Cribb, clinical psychologist and author of Doing Single Well.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and after speaking to the experts, I've put together the seven best things about being newly single.
1. Hello, freedom
Being single brings a whole new level of doing-whatever-the-hell-I-want-when-I-want.
How many times have you compromised for your partner?
Seeing places you have no interest in, watching a Netflix show you're not a fan of or going to events with people you don't really care about?
"There are heaps of benefits to being single, but not having to compromise is a really huge one, as well as giving yourself the time to get to know you," Dr Cribb says.
I've been embracing my lack of compromise with pizza, unlimited time with my circle of friends and sleeping diagonally across the bed.
2. Getting to know yourself
As Dr Cribb touched on above, rediscovering yourself is a big part of new single life.
"When we're in a relationship we become the relationship version of ourselves," she says.
It's hard not to be influenced by our partner. Spending time alone enables us to understand ourselves a whole lot better.
Gery Karantzas is an associate professor at Deakin University's School of Psychology.
He says having a clear sense of who you are and what your own goals are is important.
"The best way to be able to invest time into this, is when you're single," he says.
It also helps for future relationships, if that's what you're planning on.
After my break-up I became a self-help addict, consuming every piece of content on the topic.
Dr Cribb suggests setting aside a day every week or fortnight where you make no plans and have no commitments, chores or obligations.
"Truly check in with how you feel and what you'd really like to do with your time."
3. Conquer your bucket list
When you only have your own needs and schedule to think about, you're putting yourself first, explains Dr Cribb.
For me, that involved creating a bucket list. It got a little out of hand, so I had to rein it in and apply some structure.
I used a web-based platform to organise my goals and to hold myself accountable.
I even shared the list with my close family and friends (some have signed up to doing activities with me, too).
Because of my bucket list I've been able to cross off wine tasting in the Barrossa Valley, kayaking in the Royal National Park, seeing Brene Brown live and booking an overseas trip, all in the space of six months.
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4. Awaken your sexual desires
Sex might not be on your mind after a break-up, but if it is — you're in luck!
Sexologist Tanya Koens says relationship sex versus new-lover sex unlocks a different hormonal response in the body.
"Limerence is the feeling you get with a new lover. When your skin contacts their skin, it sends a flush of hormones around the body which leads to lots of spontaneous sex and we become quite adventurous," she says.
If it's confidence your lacking, Ms Koens suggests "spending time with your own body first", so, you can work out what you like and be able to communicate that.
She says just make sure you're negotiating trying new things to ensure it's safe and pleasurable for both partners, because things can change.
"Keeping the dialogue open can really enhance the pleasure and experience you're having."
5. Strengthen your circle
Being single does not equal loneliness or unhappiness.
"When we talk about being single and alone, we have to think about how we choose to define that," Dr Karantzas says.
"Our romantic partners don't always do a great job of giving us what we need, so the reality is we often define the fullness of our lives not just by that relationship, but by other relationships around us."
Juggling the demands of a romantic relationship can affect our platonic relationships, making it tricky and sometimes awkward to reconnect when you're back on the scene.
With some effort and time, Dr Cribb says it can be done.
"Make a habit of reaching out to one new person every day or week. Update them with what's been happening in your life and suggest that you would be keen to reconnect if they have the time," she says.
"Be respectful that some people will be busy with their own stuff just as you have with yours and be prepared to do the lion's share of the work in organising and following up until those connections have been rekindled."
This year, I've become more connected with my family and my grandparents in particular, learning so much about the history of my ancestors and parts of my culture that I didn't know.
It's moments like this, I really appreciate being single.
6. Financial independence
You are now the chief financial officer, so you can spend your money however you want.
It also means the onus is on you, which is a chance to learn if you previously leant on someone else.
I don't know how my mum raised five children with one income, but I wasn't ready to sacrifice my avocado on toast while saving for a house.
Having one income doesn't mean you can't achieve the same goals as a couple, it just means you learn to work smarter, not harder.
I've created a budget for my fortnightly pay, set-up emergency funds and started saving for that house deposit.
7. Time to nourish that career
For so long my love for writing has never left my journal, until now.
"Being single can unlock time to enable you to further your career through voluntary work, work experience, further study or through taking on a more demanding role," Perth-based careers coach Helen Holan says.
"It's important to note being single might just be a point in time for some, so mapping out our career for the long run is important."
But be careful not to fall into the workaholic trap for a break-up distraction.
"The risk some people have when single is, they hyperfocus on their career," Ms Holan says.
"Sometimes people can put all their self-worth into their career when they're single and can be easy to lose the balance in your life."
Climb the ladder or start your side hustle, just make sure you take time out for yourself too.