Best things about living single

I've reached that stage in my life where many of my friends are married, or will be soon. Once in a while, I say something about hoping to get married someday, to which my lawfully wedded friends respond, "Girl, do you know how lucky you are? I miss my single days so much! Can we please trade places for a few days?" I've thought about this, and, you know, there are definitely some perks to living the single life! Here my five favorite things about flying solo:

1. I don't have to share. I learned how to share just like everyone else, but it's glorious to have the entire closet, bed, couch and box of Girl Scout cookies to myself. I also don't have to feel guilty about taking a long shower and using up all the hot water.

2. I don't have to clean up after anyone else. Cleaning is so much more enjoyable when I don't have to wash someone else's crusty dishes or pick up their dirty laundry. And because I'm a neat and tidy person anyway, cleaning the apartment is a breeze!

3. I can indulge in my "Secret Single Behavior" (see "Sex and the City," Season 4, Episode 13) without shame. This may include, but is not limited to, eating popcorn for dinner, slathering on my minty green face mask, going to bed early or sleeping past noon, and singing along to my old Backstreet Boys CDs.

4. I'm freeeee! I can arrive whenever I feel like it and leave whenever I'm ready. I can spend my money however I like. I can head out of town on a moment's notice, or I can lie on the couch all day watching a "Criminal Minds" marathon. I don't have to wonder 'Where is he? What's he doing? Is he going to call? Why hasn't he called me back? Is he mad at me?'

5. You know what? I've learned that I'm a pretty cool person. Being single has given me time to figure out who I am, try new things that interest me and become more confident as an individual.