Discussions surrounding relationships persist as an enduring topic on social media, capturing the diverse narratives of individuals embarking on the journey of love.
Amid the joyous celebrations of couples exchanging vows, a parallel narrative unfolds for those navigating the waters of singlehood.
Some individuals ardently swear off relationships, while others tread cautiously into the realms of romantic entanglements.
MyJoyOnline delves into the personal narratives of individuals who share insights into their single status, shedding light on whether it is a deliberate choice or a consequence of circumstances beyond their control.
These candid conversations offer a glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships, exploring the myriad reasons why some individuals consciously opt for solitude, while others find themselves navigating the ebb and flow of romantic pursuits.
(Note: The following names are pseudonyms)
Kofi
Kofi expresses that he does not envision himself in a relationship, at least not at the moment. He shares with MyJoyOnline, “I don’t feel ready to enter into a romantic relationship. I enjoy my single life and mingle as much as possible, but my efforts end there. This does not mean I have anything against relationships. I truly believe that when the time comes and my gut tells me to ‘go,’ of course, I will enter the market.”
Ava
Having been single for some years after a challenging relationship, Ava sees this period as an opportunity to appreciate herself and the benefits of being single. She tells MyJoyOnline, “I’m still single because I have peace of mind. The constant emotional stress is nonexistent, at least for now, until I fall in love again.”
Afotey
Afotey acknowledges the lingering impact of past relationships and approaches new ones cautiously. He explains, “I’m currently not pursuing a relationship due to past experiences where, despite my dedication and love, some women I’ve been with showed signs of disinterest or confusion over time. I’ve always made sure my partners lacked nothing, but they ended the relationships without clear reasons. Given my experiences, I’m hesitant to enter a relationship now, even if I find someone attractive and interesting.”
Anthony
Anthony says he’s had very little success not just with relationships but also with asking ladies out – he has been turned down on occasions. He tells MyJoyOnline, “According to my guy, I take things too seriously, and ladies, apparently, don’t like that. So instead of trying to be serious and showing emotions with them and being upfront about a relationship, just be joking about everything, including the fact that you like her, and let the jokes lead you into bed? Whatever that means.”
Jasmine
Jasmine discloses that she has yet to encounter someone whose religious beliefs align with hers and to whom she feels genuinely attracted. She says “me being single has got to do with differences in religious beliefs, character and lack of interest too.” Jasmine notes that even when she does find potential matches, certain traits occasionally surface that impede her efforts. Nevertheless, Jasmine remains steadfast in her pursuit of finding that special someone meant exclusively for her, undeterred by the challenges along the way.
Damien
Damien is waiting for the butterflies but, in the meantime, is making the best of being single. He says, “I’m single because I haven’t found someone who gives me the butterflies people normally talk about experiencing once they find the one. I also think I am the kind of person that likes their freedom and space, and bringing someone else into my world might disrupt that and overwhelm me. Simply put, I embrace the single life as a choice, valuing my independence and the need for personal space. My heart is discerning, not easily swayed by love’s whims, and I find fulfilment in the freedom to chart my own course.”
Freda
Having gained experience over the years, Freda has become more intentional in her approach to relationships. She says, “I’ve gotten more picky. I know what I want in a man now, so it is making me more intentional when it comes to choosing someone. This comes with going on several dates and getting to know people. Sometimes, we end up wanting to be in a relationship, but then finding common ground when it comes to certain ideologies becomes a problem.”
Seth
He maintains that there are numerous aspects of his life as a single man that he cherishes, and he fears losing them if he were to enter into a relationship. Seth expresses a strong commitment to safeguarding these elements, particularly his freedom. Speaking to MyJoyOnline, Seth emphasizes, “For me, being single has nothing to do with money, as it does for some. I want my space and my freedom. I relish the solitude, and I resist being bothered or constrained. In a relationship, there’s often the questioning, ‘where are you going, when are you coming back?’ Personally, I find joy in being out and independent.”
Lina
Lina, having been in relationships before, expresses that she learned nothing from them. Being single is her chance to learn more about herself and human relationships before attempting another. She says, “I feel that being single now will give me a lot of time to think through my career path, what I want in a husband when that person comes around, and it will give me a lot of time to put myself together as a woman and better myself so that when the next person comes, I’ll be able to give love freely.”
Kobby
Kobby shares that he has been burnt many times, leading to a fear of loving again. He expresses, “I am single because I am afraid to love again. I always feel like I am going to get hurt. Some insecurities that reared their heads from past relationships have affected my viewpoints on relationships. I definitely want to be very careful now. And as a guy, you need to be financially stable to even date in Ghana.”