8 Reasons Why Egyptians Should Be Single In Their Twenties

I’m a realist; I don’t expect Prince Charming to show up on a white horse and sweep me off my feet. During the first several months after my breakup, I went on quite the date-a-thon to find the “right” person and it drove my friends insane. However, I started to grow weary of the whole dating process. I was meeting different guys, but failed to make any real connections, and couldn't grasp why. As cliché and mainstream as this might sound, I ultimately decided I needed to “find myself” before I got into another relationship. I securely believe that everyone needs to go through a phase in their twenties where they’re single before settling down, especially since girls in their early twenties are getting married nowadays. The very idea of basing your whole life on a significant other baffles me, and thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that I should be single during this phase. Why?

Self discovery. The most profound relationship you’ll probably have is one with yourself. You have time to discover who you are and “find yourself” before getting into a long-term relationship. Spend time on more essential things in life, like your career. Live up to your true potential. Work hard. You’ll be surprised by the results you can garner.

Independence. You’re forced to deal with your issues, yourself, and every raw emotion that comes with it without having that one person who you unload everything on. You build character and learn to become strong without needing a shoulder to cry on. 

Travel. You got a summer job in Dahab, or Sahel, or even an internship in London – now you can finally go. You want to travel around Europe? You don’t have to work your schedule based on another person. You have no one’s feelings to consider and nothing stopping you from living your life and being adventurous. Love can sometimes tie you down – break free.

Expand your social circle. You spend time with the people that matter, not those who make you cry waterfalls every five seconds. Being known as the friend who is ‘down for whatever’ is pretty awesome. Going to Sokhna for the day? Sure. Going to a house party? Sure. Going to jump off the pyramids? Sure. Okay, a tad exaggerated; but, we know how some Egyptian men can be overbearing and controlling. 

Save money. Valentines, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas… the list goes on. It’s no secret that most Egyptians show love and affection through material gifts. Now, you can save up and spoil yourself rather than buying an expensive present for someone else.

No judgment. Whether you were out all night partying,or hibernating at home through the entire Eid holiday, the only person judging you will be your bawab. You get to do whatever you want, whenever you want, and no one stands in your way. You also get to look like a hobo – you don’t have to look pretty and perfect 24/7.

More sleep. You don’t have to stay up all night ‘bet7ebi fil telephone’ and waste hours talking about random things; you also get to sleep sprawled out like a starfish without a care in the world. 

Explore your sexual side. This doesn’t mean you should have random hookups every weekend, but still being single is about having fun and letting go. Do what makes you happy. You can have those late night flirtations with that one person you never thought you’d approach before, but guess what? You’re single now, so do what you want. It's like walking into a buffet – you can try a little bit of everything and take time to figure out what you like and dislike.