Passionate for One:

Top 10 Reasons to Be Passionate about Being Single This Summer

By Lisa Steadman, Your Single Life Coach

Air conditioner at full blast? Check.

Tank top, shorts, flip-flops on? Check.

Cruising with the sunroof open? Double check!

It's official, my fab friends. Summer is here. And while some of your friends, coworkers, and acquaintances may be stuck driving cross-country in a minivan to Disney World or cooped up at home because they couldn't find a sitter, you are footloose and fancy free. In case you haven't heard, being single is SO the thing to be this summer! And on the off chance that you need a refresher course in being passionate for one, here are the top 10 reasons to be passionate about being single this summer...

1. Give thanks for being child free
While you may one day want children, for the time being you are diaper duty-free and that's something to be passionate about. Without a bambino attached to your hip, you're free to come and go as you please. Why not make the most of that by filling your calendar with endless summer fun including road trips, barbecues, cocktails, and shopping? (Translation: what are you waiting for?!)

2. Passionate for one = freedom without compromise
Last time I checked, being single wasn't a life sentence. In fact, any day now, you could meet Mr. or Ms. Right. Instead of waiting and/or pining for that person to come along, relish the fact that they have yet to arrive which leaves you the CEO of your fabulous life. You don't have to ask permission to stay out extra late with your girlfriends or compromise on matters of finance, housing, travel, etc. You are single and ready to mingle this summer, and that's just fabulous!

3. The outdoors
One of the best things about summer is the opportunity to get back to nature. Make it a top priority to spend some time outdoors this summer. From camping to hiking, biking, fishing, boating, or just lying on the beach, your single self deserves to be treated to some one-on-one time with Mother Nature. Trust me, it's therapeutic and deliciously relaxing!

4. Get in shape for you
This summer, getting in shape isn't about impressing your crush. It's about being passionate about your own health and well-being. Whether you just want to tone up a little, cut out the crap in your diet, or give your body a complete makeover is up to you. When your health and fitness goals are all about doing what you enjoy and what's right for your body, it's easy to be passionate about getting in shape!

5. Time with friends
What's the best kept secret about being single? The ability to spend your entire summer having fun with your friends! There will be plenty of time for honeymoons and birthday parties with Barney (if that's what you want). For now, you're single and ready to mingle. Live it up! Gather the girls and go out dancing. Organize a picnic in the park with your married with children friends. Call up a fellow single and ready to mingle friend and sneak off to a midnight movie. Whatever your particular passion is, this summer pursue it with your friends!

6. Pursue a passion
And speaking of passion, this summer is the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with an old hobby, explore a new interest, or take a fun class. Some of my favorite single and ready to mingle passions include taking salsa dance classes, reading The Artist Way, and joining the Sierra Club. This summer, not only do you get to selfishly indulge in your own interests, but you never know who you'll meet who just might share your passion. Talk about a win-win!

7. Travel
Without the minivan to slow you down, you are free to go wherever you want this summer. That girls’ road trip to Vegas? It's on! Or the singles cruise to Mexico? Go for it! Or for some much needed you time, a solo retreat to a cabin in the mountains may be just what you need to re-energize your passion for life.

8. Permission to flirt
A show of hands. Who needs more flirting in their lives? If your hand’s in the air, wave it like you just don't care. And then give yourself permission to flirt this summer. At a loss for someone to flirt with? Look around! You can harmlessly flirt anywhere and everywhere. From the sushi bar to the latte line to the elevator at work to the bookstore, there are potential flirters everywhere. Remember, flirting doesn't have to lead to a date. It's just supposed to be fun practice. So go ahead. Get your flirt on!

9. Practice, practice, practice!
As Your Single Life Coach, my passion is helping you make the most of your fabulous life. And one of the things I'm particularly passionate about is emphasizing the importance of dating/playing the field. Serial monogamy is so 2006. Serial dating? That's so summer 2007! So go ahead, give yourself permission to flirt, date, and practice. Give online dating another shot. Make eye contact and flirt with at least one member of the opposite sex per day. Put yourself in target rich environments (a.k.a. locations teeming with your type) on a regular basis. How else are you going to know when your perfect partner comes along if you haven't dated enough to know who else is out there?

10. Endless possibilities
Want to know the most beautiful thing about being single? The endless possibilities that await you! This summer, you can date a different guy or gal every night of the week, kiss some frogs and meet some princes, be wined and dined by Mr. Maybe while getting text messages under the table from the cutie from the coffee shop. The world is your proverbial oyster. Indulge!

So there you have it. The top 10 reasons to be passionate for one this summer. May you learn it, live it, and absolutely love it!

About the author
Lisa Steadman is a relationship author and expert dedicated to helping singles live and love their lives. She is the author of It's a Breakup Not a Breakdown: Get over the Big One and Change Your Life for Good! You can visit her at her website www.LisaSteadman.com.

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