Better to be single or in a relationship?

[DoctorObviously]

Contrary to popular belief, relationships aren't for everyone. I know it simply doesn't work out for me because of my personality. Obviously it does work for others. I think the reason why so many relationships fail is because it's the "cool thing" to be with someone. There are so many retards in the world shouting: "But there's somebody for EVERYONE!!"

Bullshit.

This is the talk of some overweight, naïve otaku. Somebody in my class said something: "Well, with a girlfriend, there's no need for pr0n anymore." I don't necessarily agree with it, but he pretty much pointed out what I said.

 

[Johnny Impact]

I have been turned down, stood up, ignored, laughed at, lied to, lied about, and made into the butt of a number of extremely unfunny practical jokes. For all that, I have never known one second of companionship, affection, or any of the good things that are supposed to be sprinkled in there.

I have concluded women see me as a punching bag: someone upon whom they can safely unload all their frustrations and inadequacies without the need to give anything back because there is simply no way they could ever get desperate enough to want to cross *this* bridge.

The constant dull ache of loneliness is a healing balm compared to that kind of attention.

It depends greatly on your personality, how much of your identity and self-worth is tied up in other people's opinions and willingness to be around you. I do very well on my own because I am a natural introvert who thinks the majority of people are fools. Others' need for relationships may be far greater than my own.

It also depends greatly on the other person, what kind of couple you make. A buddy of mine who is a pretty good guy had an on-again, off-again shitstorm of a relationship with this psychotic gymnast. They'd screw like bunnies for two weeks, then they'd remember they hated each other, fill the next two months with lies and recriminations, fail to make it work, and have a bad breakup. After two months alone, they'd be lonely enough to get back together. This went on for years. Not healthy. Eventually he got smart. She didn't; she still calls him thinking she can get back into his life.

 

[Secret world leader (shhh)]

Going by the first week and a half of my first relationship...relationship.

Being single is fine, but i'm happier now than i've been in quite a while.

 

[DoctorObviously]

I have been turned down, stood up, ignored, laughed at, lied to, lied about, and made into the butt of a number of extremely unfunny practical jokes. For all that, I have never known one second of companionship, affection, or any of the good things that are supposed to be sprinkled in there.

I have concluded women see me as a punching bag: someone upon whom they can safely unload all their frustrations and inadequacies without the need to give anything back because there is simply no way they could ever get desperate enough to want to cross *this* bridge.

The constant dull ache of loneliness is a healing balm compared to that kind of attention.

It depends greatly on your personality, how much of your identity and self-worth is tied up in other people's opinions and willingness to be around you. I do very well on my own because I am a natural introvert who thinks the majority of people are fools. Others' need for relationships may be far greater than my own.

It also depends greatly on the other person, what kind of couple you make. A buddy of mine who is a pretty good guy had an on-again, off-again shitstorm of a relationship with this psychotic gymnast. They'd screw like bunnies for two weeks, then they'd remember they hated each other, fill the next two months with lies and recriminations, fail to make it work, and have a bad breakup. After two months alone, they'd be lonely enough to get back together. This went on for years. Not healthy. Eventually he got smart. She didn't; she still calls him thinking she can get back into his life.

I think you are my long lost other self. Our opinions on things are uncannily similar.

 

[Blunderboy]

There's plus sides to both, really. What matters most is that both are happy in the relationship - it takes two to tango, and all that jazz. I've never stayed with anyone just for their sake, that would just be odd. It'd feel like I was mothering them or something. o_o

And the first reply answers the thread.

Having said that I'm generally happier in a relationship but as Leighcakes pointed out, that's only good and worthwhile if both partners are happy.

 

[Nalgas D. Lemur]

If you're in a relationship with Wiley Pete, a supervillain made of fire whose things is simultaneously eating people and fucking them to death in their eye socket, it'd probably be better to be single.

If you are single because you are Dave Lister and you come out of stasis to find it's 3 million years in the future and everyone you've ever known is long dead, that's probably not a good thing.

I award you a gold star for the day for referencing two awesome things in making your point. I came here to make a reference of my own in favor of being in a relationship: that's when you get to do the weird stuff. Heh.

 

[Quiet Stranger]

I personally am tired of being alone, I want someone so bad, I know people will say it takes time but I'm sick of waiting, I need someone now.

 

[Simalacrum]

It entirely depends on one's circumstances: sometimes its good to have the moral boost from having a girlfriend, sometimes the financial and time commitments are too much.

 

[Zen Toombs]

it really depends on where you are at

I mean you know somtimes its great to be single....or mabye you want a relationship (because y'know sex)

I'm single right now with no plans to change that anytime soon

Hai Vault! How're you?

OT: Singleness is good, because relationships can be complicated. Relationshipness can be good, because sex and companionship. In the end, it partly depends on your preference, but it seems to me that being in a "good relationship" is best.

 

[Zen Toombs]

If you're in a relationship with Wiley Pete, a supervillain made of fire whose things is simultaneously eating people and fucking them to death in their eye socket, it'd probably be better to be single.

If you are single because you are Dave Lister and you come out of stasis to find it's 3 million years in the future and everyone you've ever known is long dead, that's probably not a good thing.

I award you a gold star for the day for referencing two awesome things in making your point. I came here to make a reference of my own in favor of being in a relationship: that's when you get to do the weird stuff. Heh.

We do the weird stuff!

Entirely off topic: I'm going as Dr. Horrible for Halloween this year! Costume's a touch pricy though. -.-

 

[Kyr Knightbane]

Honestly it comes down to personal preference. If you're in a relationship purely to have sex... you're a tool. I'm sorry but that mentality is bat-shit stupid.

However if you enjoy being single, go with that. You shouldn't be in a relationship because society or your friends decide its the best thing for you. Then you'll be miserable while the other person thinks it's their fault. It's better to be happy with yourself first before you try to make someone else happy.

I love being married, and i was in a miserable relationship before i met my wife. I had been single for 4 years when i met her and it was pretty much the point where i wasn't looking for anything, and we worked together, and boom, a few years later (2, to be exact) we were married.

So if that's too long to read, basically go with what makes you happy.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

I've been happy in both situations but I'm kind of a hopeless romantic at heart so eventually I want to get into a relationship again after being single. I want a family someday!

 

[OblivionSoul]

This is one of those things that is incredibly dependent on the person. For me, being in a relationship makes me happy. Some of my friends are completely happy being bachelors. It just depends on personality and what you want out of life.

 

[Vegosiux]

I like both equally. My own happiness is different from the happiness I would get from a relationship. The difference is, I need my happiness while I do not necessarily need the happiness of being taken with someone. This allows me to become independent entirely on my own. So while I would like a new relationship eventually., I don't need one either.

This, pretty much. They're different things, one is not "better" than the other inherently. Of course single life beats a failing relationship any day, there's that.

 

[game-lover]

I've never been in a relationship so I can't say which would be better.

But I figure both are equally awesome in their own ways.

 

[D Moness]

I have always been single and always will be.
I have my family, friends and many hobbies. I am happy with my life so do not need a relationship.

What is better is different from person to person.

 

[Monsterfurby]

Both have their advantages.

Being single is "fun", it's sustained by a greater degree of excitement and suspense, there is a game-like aspect to just being able to flirt at your leisure.

A relationship, though, gives you security and affection, someone to rely on and who supports you. I can say in good conscience that my girlfriend is also my best friend in that we share a similar outlook on life, the universe and everything, as well as pretty much all hobbies, sense of humour etc.

 

[Bigsmith]

Been in a relationship for two years and although there have been times where we've been at each others throats for one reason or an other I can say that in the long run I'm happier in a relationship then I was when I was single.

I think it has something to do with knowing that they are there for you and at the same time you have someone to be there for (not including family).

It's not even for the fact that I get it a lot (ok let be honest I mean sex) because although me and girl friend have been together for two years she doesn't feel ready for it and I'm fine waiting because I'm in no rush either and I love her for who she is, not for her physical appearance, although I do think she's good looking regardless of that.

I'm currently in my first year of University and I'm spending the first year in dorms, for the time being we're currently about 30 miles apart (actually just got back from seeing each other). Yet when my contract with Dorms ends I we do plan on moving in together.

But, beside all of this I can't say that it hasn't been hard work and sacrifices have been made on each side so we can spend time with each other, even before I went to Uni. So if you don't want to put serious dedication into a relationship your not going to get anywhere which, as just stated, is hard work.

But it's nice having a girl who you truly love and whom truly loves you in return.

As well as this I see my girlfriend as one of my best friends, someone that I can have intelligent conversations with about even the most obscure things I've found on web because chances are she's already beaten me two it. We also have the same hobbies and are both into gaming so there is no problem finding someone to play two player co-op with. :3

 

[Rblade]

a well, the grass is always greener.

although captcha seems to have a pretty strong opinion

"never nude"

 

[babinro]

There are benefits to both with the vast majority siding on the side of a relationship.
I'll use societies lack of single people in their 30's-40's (who have never married) be proof of that.

I personally prefer the freedom associated with being single. I've never once sought out a girlfriend despite being in my 30's.
I have been in relationships before when the woman takes that first step...but ultimately I prefer being single.