Houston – For many, being single is seen as a phase to endure rather than an opportunity to thrive. But what if it doesn’t have to be like that? Instead of waiting for a relationship to bring fulfillment, singles can create a life that aligns with their core values, fosters deep connections, and even meets their basic human need for touch in unique ways.
Speaker, author, and psychotherapist Kaity Rodriguez joined us on Houston Life to guide us through it all Valentine’s Day and Singles Awareness Day the following day doesn’t have to be dreadful.
- Learn and live your core values - Design a life that aligns with what’s most important to you.
- Intentionally Create Community - Romantic partnership is not the only way to satisfy our human need for connection.
- Touch - Touch is a basic human need. Find unique ways to meet that need. (i.e. partnered dance, massage, cuddle service/buddy, asking for hugs).
Here’s a bonus, If you desire partnership, accept it rather than judging yourself for it.
100 Dates in Houston
Rodriguez, who isn’t a Houston native, moved to the Lone Star State in 2023 in search of a new beginning. As a single woman, she created a blog called “100 Dates in Houston” According to the blog, the volume of dates is her primary goal, not the number. So far she’s been on around 40 dates. She hasn’t found “the one” but explains resilience in dating is key—learning from setbacks, maintaining a sense of self-worth, and remembering that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Follow her journey here.
How coupled friends can support singles
Friends in relationships can play a huge role in making single friends feel valued and included. Whether it’s stepping up for birthdays and holidays, checking in regularly, or even offering to be an emergency contact, these small actions can make a world of difference.
This Singles Awareness Day, Rodriguez hopes we can shift the conversation from loneliness to empowerment. Whether single by choice or circumstance, thriving is always an option.