The Single Life

Whether chosen or the result of circumstances, the single lifestyle can be rich and purposeful. The single life is as much a call to grow, to develop, to love, and to serve as the other lifestyles of marriage, and ordained life. Jesus, as a single person, gives us a model to follow.

Opportunity: Freedom Problem: Egocentrism a single person has the freedom to make decisions based on their own convictions, needs, or goals. Can become involved in all types of work, or volunteer tasks that would otherwise be deemed as risky without having the types of guarantees that many of us want. single life may lead to egocentrism or a self- centred outlook because there are fewer opportunities for give- and take relationships. Taken to the extreme the person may develop an inability to commit to anyone or anything and in fact may push people away. Opportunities and Problems of the Single Life

Opportunity for Solitude Problem – Loneliness single life generally offers a greater opportunity for solitude – being alone for thought, creative pursuits, rest, learning or prayer because a single person typically has more control over their time and space. Can also lead a person to appreciate relationships more. a feeling of sadness from being alone. Can be alone even when we are physically in contact with people. This can be a psychological loneliness. E.g. coming home to an empty house, dining out alone, or not having someone to talk about everyday events with. There is also a fear of growing older or not having children or community to take care of you during periods of illness, distress, or loneliness. These feelings may be heightened in the case of widowed or divorced people Opportunities and Problems of the Single Life

Opportunity for Wider Friendships Problem – Not belonging to one Special Person possibility for a wider network of friends with whom to share a broader range of friendships and intimacy such as recreational, intellectual, aesthetic, spiritual, work, common-cause, etc. particularly true when you confront the aging process and the desire for companionship. Opportunities and Problems of the Single Life

Opportunity for Professional Commitment Problem – The Job Trap gives the single person the opportunity to focus on work, and the flexibility to relocate for a new job or promotion. employers come to expect that the single person can dedicate their life to the job and take advantage of the situation by piling on the work without proper time off or additional wages. Opportunities and Problems of the Single Life

Opportunity: A Less Expensive Lifestyle Problem – A More Expensive Lifestyle depends a lot on the lifestyle you choose, however, you do not have to support a family. May have the opportunity for shared housing or moving back in with your parents. Cost of furnishing a household alone with only one income is present. Taxes are often higher for a single person. More meals are taken out because cooking for one person is more difficult. Housing cost may be higher for single people living in adult only complexes or apartments. Entertainment costs may be higher as the single person needs to go out to meet people; may also include the increased costs of vacationing abroad Opportunities and Problems of the Single Life

Being single by choice may be temporary or permanent may lead to the vocation of marriage someday may lead to the vocation to the religious life (priesthood) may give you a opportunity to establish a career, develop friendships and explore life’s possibilities.