For many centuries, being part of a pair was necessary for survival and prosperity. It was easier to achieve financial success with two incomes, and gender inequality precluded women from purchasing property or opening bank accounts without a partner. Thankfully, the times have changed, and it’s no longer necessary to be married or part of a couple to live a successful life. Still, being alone carries a hefty stigma, and many people wonder how it’s possible to be happy while alone.

People Can Be Happy on Their Own

As Paula Flidermauz, MHC-LP, a mental health counselor at Empower Your Mind Therapy, explains, many of us grow up believing there must be something wrong with us if we’re not in a romantic relationship, or that there’s no way to be completely happy without one. This is primarily due to cultural pressure, media influence, and unfavorable remarks from friends and family.

If you’re considering forgoing traditional dating/coupling, here are some useful tips on how to nurture your best self and be content being single.

#1. Platonic Relationships

Even if you have no desire for a romantic partner, maintaining your mental health and being a member of a community is crucial to living a long, full, life. For this reason, Flidermauz asserts that to be happy on your own, it’s essential to invest in your platonic friendships.

#2. Making a Plan

It’s not necessary to have a partner to accumulate wealth, buy a property, establish objectives, or open a retirement account. Also true: you must plan to create the life you desire. Rachael Evans, founder and chief executive officer of The Workshop Whisperer, explains that performing an annual life review and setting monthly, quarterly, and annual goals will help you grow confidence.

#3. Hobbies!

Relationships need a substantial investment of your time, energy, and emotions. (Partners are known as “significant others” for a reason.) Therefore, without that other person to occupy your days and mind, you have more time for your own needs and pursuits. However, if you don’t actively choose enjoyable activities and interests, you may experience feelings of loneliness, depression, and aimlessness. Fledermaus invites folks who choose to be alone, to engage in a pastime they formerly enjoyed but haven’t had time to pursue recently. It could be rollerblading, crocheting, cooking, exercising, painting, or writing.

#4. Contribution to the Greater Good

According to a human potential specialist and creator of The Royal Shaman Makhosi Nejeser, the desire for purpose and legacy is an often-overlooked human need. Find organizations that support causes that are important to you and your values. Remember that you don’t need to donate hundreds of dollars to be happy. According to Nejeser, merely offering your time and abilities or finding inventive ways to promote the change you wish to see, can go a long way toward helping others and enhancing your happiness.

Rich in selenium and protein, couscous is a good ingredient to include in one’s diet. If you’re looking for a scrumptious salad to serve alongside a barbecue or a grilled vegetable dish, then be sure to try this herb and cherry tomato couscous recipe, courtesy of chef Yotam Ottolenghi!

Gather the Following Ingredients

The Ottolenghi couscous recipe requires the following ingredients:

• 1 and a half cups of couscous
• 2 tablespoons of the spice mix ras el hanout
• 6 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 and two-thirds cups of boiling water
• 2 thinly sliced onions
• 10 ounces of cherry tomatoes
• 1 quarter of a cup of golden raisins
• A third of a cup of roughly chopped salted and toasted almonds
• A teaspoon of roasted and crushed cumin seeds
• 3 quarters of a cup each of roughly chopped cilantro and mint leaves
• A teaspoon of lemon zest
• A tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Preparing the Couscous Salad by Chef Ottolenghi

In a bowl, mix the couscous with one teaspoon of ras el hanout, three-quarters of a teaspoon of salt, plenty of pepper, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Pour boiling water over the couscous, stir, and cover with foil for 20 minutes. Remove the foil.

In a large frying pan on high heat, fry the tomatoes for 4 minutes in a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the tomatoes from the pan, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and set aside. Return the pan to medium-high heat with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Fry the onions seasoned with a tablespoon of ras el hanout and a bit of salt for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the raisins.

Final Steps and Serving

Transfer the couscous into a large bowl and add the onions and raisins. Mix in the lemon juice and zest, cilantro, mint, almonds, and cumin. Season with a generous grind of pepper and a quarter of a teaspoon of salt. Transfer the chef Ottolenghi salad onto a serving plate and top with the roasted tomatoes.