Unapologetic Choice
Single women aren’t always perceived so kindly, but it can be especially blunt in older cultures. Read “Happy to be Single” written by Bhumika Rajan in the Deccan Herald of Bangalore.
As you can tell by the title of the article, though, the women interviewed are embracing their autonomy: “‘Singledom is a lifestyle choice and society needs to accept the presence of single, unmarried woman as normal and learn to be tolerant towards her,’ says Vaishali. ‘This unapologetic choice (to be single) is recent and unique to women of our times. Probably economic independence could be a crucial factor,’ she opines.”
Read the article here: http://ow.ly/f80wU.
Choices after Retirement
Here’s a pretty thorough article on “Where Single Women Might Want to Retire” from NextAvenue.org. I love that it covers intentional communities, buying vs renting, retirement communities, homesharing, volunteer/living, lesbian communities, RV living and even “hangar homes” that are connected to airports (how cool?!).
There’s a growing culture of travel and nomadic living for younger people, but many partnered women live full-time where their partner lives and/or, in a move, have to negotiate the needs of a relationship in deciding where to live. (Let me also say that there are plenty of older long-distance relationships and couples who travel full-time together or live very adventurous lives.)
But for some women, finding themselves single from a divorce or the death of a spouse or facing retirement presents all kinds of choices – maybe for the first time – on where to live.
In this article, Kerry Hannon interviews Jan Cullinane, author of The Single Woman’s Guide to Retirement: http://ow.ly/f7U27
Optimism Unbridled
“Like many brides to be, Anita Chakraburtty is busy planning her Sydney wedding next April. What sets her apart is that she doesn’t have a boyfriend, let alone a fiance. But she is convinced she will find a husband before the wedding day.”
Okay, so I don’t really want to attack another woman. She’s being so optimistic and hopeful that it’s endearing and, really, who am I to say anything about how she should live her life?
Chakraburtty might derive great pleasure from planning her wedding, spending her money on it and reveling in the delight of her big day. And maybe she will meet her partner – especially with all of this media coverage! But I worry and care about her well-being if things don’t work out the way she’s planning them for next April.
So here’s my wish for her: Plan your big day for You. And if you have someone to meet you at the end of the aisle next spring, wonderful! And if you don’t, continue with the wedding and set it up totally different: walk through and around your gathered family and friends. Wear white to celebrate your optimism. And take vows to continue living life on your own terms. Then wed yourself to your Self, your family, your community and to Love.
I could toast to that!
Experience Your Town Like a Tourist
Experience your town like a tourist: Visit the Tourist Center or Commission to see what your hometown 
has to offer through the eyes of a visitor.
Online, request a visitor’s guide, and see what museums, restaurants and festivals you might be missing as a resident. See how your neighborhood – and others – are described. Explore, explore, explore.
Make a date with your city.
Irish Independent Woman
“Forty, single, childless — and loving it” is a great article over at the Irish Independent’s Independent Woman section.
Maureen Coleman, a 44 year old freelance journalist from Belfast, says “I have great family, friends, I can go away at the drop of a hat, I’ve plenty to keep me occupied and I’m happy in my own company. People ask me if I ever get lonely and I honestly don’t; I like me.”
Love it!
A Cuddle Sanctuary
Create a cuddle sanctuary. Find a part of your home in which to cuddle with yourself. This could be anything from a breakfast nook to a stairway landing to, even, an entire room.
If you need to, decorate or embellish this space. Fill that space with textures, smells, and noises (music, water, chimes, or nothing at all) that warm your soul.
Gift Wrapping
When you order something online, always get the product gift wrapped if that’s a free service. Consider getting the product gift wrapped even if it’s for a small cost.
It’s delightful to receive anything from a special order blouse to prescription medicine with some colorful wrapping!
Fresh Flowers
Your assignment for the evening, gals: On the way home from work, buy yourself some flowers. Put them in a vase and prominent place when you get home, perfect for admiring all weekend.
This DY Friday is my favorite; I love fresh flowers and so rarely receive them. So I get them for myself!
Friday Night Movie
Go out to the movies on a Friday or Saturday night. Go by yourself. Pick the movie you want to see. Dare to buy yourself a soda and a snack!
D5 Creation