The one who racked up as a single woman

Being single, frankly, has its upsides. No need to ask anyone's opinion on a movie, no debate over what's for dinner, no compromise on the weekend schedule. It's freedom, the real thing. You do what you want, when you want, and with whom you want.

But… — because there is a "but", Obviously—there's one thing that's less talked about: the price you pay. The one that appears in black and white on your bank statement.

Because the truth is, being single is expensive.

Already, just to rent an apartment. As a couple, you split everything. Rent, utilities, Netflix, Spotify, Prime subscriptions, everything goes smoothly as a couple. As a single person, you'd better earn three times the rent if you want to sign a lease. And even then, you have to prove you have no pets, no debts, almost no social life.

All the while reckoning in your head that you'll have to limit your takeout sushi and latte orders for a while.

And then there are the holidays. Going on vacation solo is fabulous: you choose your destination, your itinerary. But when it comes to budget... it's a real downer.
Have you noticed? The “single room supplement”, it's the meanest thing in the world. You want to go and recharge your batteries, to enjoy your solo trip, and bam: you're taxed because you just want to sleep in a bed by yourself. Honestly, it's like they punish those who aren't in a relationship.

Let's talk about restaurants. Menus "duo", the formulas “to share”You pay for an individual portion, except that in reality, it comes out to almost the same price as the platter for two. And I'm not even talking about pizzas. Always designed for couples or evenings with friends. You're there with your solo slice, which costs an arm and a leg. So the doggy bag quickly becomes your best friend on your outings.

And at Christmas... shall we talk about it? Couples, they sort things out. “Honey, shall we do a group gift?” You have no one to group with. It's you, your budget, and your credit card that's bleeding. And it's the same for housewarmings, weddings, birthdays, and so on... You do everything alone, without backup.

Oh, and the cherry on top of the cake, of course: taxes. Shall we talk about it? As a couple, we pool our taxes, we file together, and hey presto, it goes down. You? You cry when you read your tax return. Single? Please contribute a little more.  Nice, huh?

So yes, being single often means paying more. But it also means following your own desires and not being accountable to anyone (except your bank, sometimes).

It's also being able to eat cereal for dinner without judgment, sleep like a starfish, binge-watch crap without guilt, and go on trips whenever you want.

It's priceless. Well, it is...but you're the one paying!

So yes, you're a bit of a hustle. But you're doing it your way. And for you.

And who knows? Maybe one day you'll share your rent again... But in the meantime, enjoy your free and independent single life.