Chances are, if you've been single for any significant period of time, you've dealt with the questions from your friends, family members, co-workers. It goes something like this:

Them: "Are you seeing anyone?"

You: "No."

Them: "Why not?"

How does one respond to that? Especially if you've been looking for love and just haven't found it yet. The truth is, sometimes being single feels like an affliction. Especially on those dreaded occasions when the fear of being alone FOREVER looms overhead.

Being single doesn’t have to be unpleasant – or permanent

Let's be honest. More than likely, you won't be alone forever. Unless, of course, that's your personal choice. But if it's your wish to one day find Mr. or Ms. Right and the search isn't exactly going according to plan, well, the doubts set in. Especially after yet another bad date with Mr. or Ms. Wrong. Or too much time spent with your happily-ever-after friends who haven't been single for years. They don't mean to be insensitive, but they may have forgotten how hard it is sometimes to be single.

Which leads to the ultimate question - Is your single status an asset or affliction?

And the only honest answer is this - It depends. On you.

Decide for yourself how being single affects you

Here's the deal. If life is what you make of it, then being single, just like being in a relationship, will be what you make of it, too. If you wallow in your single status, sitting by the phone waiting for no one in particular to call, well, you're going to feel afflicted. But, if you instead embrace your single self, balancing your search for "The One" with your career plans, personal hobbies and interests and time with friends, then being single can be quite the asset. In fact, being single can be fabulous!

The bright side of single life

Here's the secret that no married or otherwise coupled-up friend will tell you. The greatest asset to being single is in the possibilities. You have yet to meet your match, which means that life is full of exciting adventures. And Mr. or Ms. Perfect may just walk into your life at any second. Isn't that exciting?!

Take advantage of the opportunities single life affords you while you still can!

So go for it! Take that dream vacation with friends or family. Enroll in that dance class you were previously waiting for a partner to take. Don't put your life on hold for a second. Let your sassy single self come out with a flourish. And trust me. If fully embraced, your single status will not only be your greatest asset, but your married-with-children/happily ever after friends just might envy you.

Lisa Steadman, AKA The Relationship Journalist™, studies relationships and dating for a living.