I've been married and I've been single (my present state) and can indisputably testify that sleeping alongside another breathing body won't ward off ''the lonelies.'' Having a boyfriend or husband is not akin to holding a cross under a vampire's nose; you will not automatically be protected against feeling alone. Take it from one who knows: Being in a bad relationship is the opposite of comforting. Yes, I hope to one day remarry, but it will be because I love the guy, not because I hate being single.

Alone but Not Lonely
One of the best aspects of being single is not having someone by your side 24/7. Yes, you read that right. I'm not trying to stereotype, but I frequently see couples shortchanging themselves and sinking into ruts vast as quicksand. They allow their lives to become ultra-routine, figuring that it's okay to walk on the boring side so long as they're strolling hand in hand.

Many singles, on the other hand, work harder to have a well-rounded life. They keep themselves fit, attend lectures and workshops, go on interesting vacations, do volunteer work, engage in hobbies, look for more entertaining activities than dinner and a movie -- aren't these activities actually just attempts to find a mate, you ask? Perhaps, but the bottom line is that it's fine if these pursuits are undertaken with the hope that a man will materialize so long as if at the end of the night fun was had, man or no man.