I'm a loser, and I like it

It’s ugly but it’s the truth: I like spending Friday nights alone.

I know I shouldn’t, or at least I feel like I shouldn’t. But the problem is, almost every time I agree to a plan or try making a plan for a Friday night, I feel like I’d rather be curled up on my couch.

Now granted, it’s not surprising because I am probably mostly an introvert, with a few extroverted tendencies, but I find Friday nights taxing and would have more fun with a book or bowl of popcorn and a DVD.

As a single, this has its advantages and disadvantages.

The good side is that I don’t have a partner pushing me into Friday night Karaoke or dinner with the in-laws. I can curl up on my couch with a good book or movie every Friday night if I so desire.

Unfortunately however, as a single, you feel like a bit of a loser on a Friday night if you’re not out and about. It’s bad for the self esteem.

As part of a couple you can come home and do the exact same thing, but if someone else is there, even if they’re not participating in the same activities, it’s a little less hermit-y and somehow more acceptable.

As a single you feel the pressure to ‘get out there’ and ‘try new things’ enjoying ‘all that life has to offer’! Or at least this is what everyone says in their online dating profile.

Sometimes I wish I had a kid and a husband just so I could come home on a Friday night, go to bed at 8 and not feel weird about it.

There are just so many good things to do by yourself on a Friday night:

-A great book or movie, as I’ve mentioned

-A nice glass of wine as you cook your favourite meal

- Friday night yoga, bubble bath, and bed

- Trashy TV paired with chips and dip

- Pedicure and a stack of gossip mags

- Ordering take-out and getting all three of your favourite dishes, then eating as much as you want from each, not having to split the spring rolls in half or share the little baggie of shrimp chips

I’m a loser, I admit it. But Friday nights to me are for relaxation and regeneration. Easing into the weekend like this seems to make the rest of it even that much better.

And with age I’ve discovered that a happy Saturday morning is even more rewarding than a debaucherous Friday night.

For some more fun things to do on your own, check out this week's Eye Weekly and the Loner's Guide to Toronto. Although a few of the suggestions I wouldn't endorse like wolfing back a bucket of chicken wings at the Real Sports Bar and Grill by myself.............. some of them I could totally get behind like brunch for one, photography classes, and the satisfaction of going to Tim Horton's for a coffee and a single timbit!