Living single

[Jamey77]

Do not under any circumstances get a pet.  It will just die. 

A few pearls Doc. I have had 3 guinea pigs die on me in the past 18 months. Not a good feeling looking in the hutch and seeing their little body turned sideways and lifeless. Granted I did feed and water them, but the guinea pigs just died for varying reasons (loneliness, being mistaken by a gigantic rabbit as a potential mate, virus swept the hutch). Rabbit escaped from the outside enclosure and got tangled up with a fox recently, the other rabbit was very angry attacked everything in sight so went back to the store.

As above person posted just getting a good balanced life: prayer/sport/work/other interests. Sometimes trying to hit the prayer life too hard at exclusion of other things can lead to an imbalance.

[Phillipus Iacobus]

As above person posted just getting a good balanced life: prayer/sport/work/other interests. Sometimes trying to hit the prayer life too hard at exclusion of other things can lead to an imbalance.

Proper balance is the key. You don't need to live as a monk, since you aren't a monk, just get the necessary prayer time in. Hobbies and interests are key. Keep busy.

[Habitual_Ritual]

It's one thing to say that you don't have time to pursue marriage right now. It's an entirely different thing to refer collectively to women as BS-mongers. Just don't.

I'm sure he meant Braziers and Stockings

[drummerboy]

Find a hobby.  Stamp collecting or baseball cards or play an instrument.  Avoid roommates, they are more trouble than they're worth.  Most people are disgusting slobs so unless you're married, it's too much aggravation to tolerate.  Do not under any circumstances get a pet.  It will just die.  If you're not married and don't have a girlfriend, you'll notice the absence even more profoundly.  Just don't go there in the first place. 

And drink.  It's one of the few licit pleasures a single person is allowed. 

Then I suppose we shouldn't befriend people, because they'll just die too at some point.

[per_passionem_eius]

Living single doesn't require special advice, because everyone starts out single. It's a default state of living.

It seems to me the default state is the family.  Everyone starts out with one, even if it's nothing more than an orphanage, and some kind of family is necessary even as a hermit. 

[Resurrexi]

Floriano,

Do you mean single as in a bachelor, or single as a vocation for life? For the former, just practice and live the Faith, enjoy work, etc. If the latter, I don't think you should make such a decision on a whim.

I don't think being unmarried ever becomes a vocation for life until one takes a vow of celibacy.

[Spooky]

Find a hobby.  Stamp collecting or baseball cards or play an instrument.  Avoid roommates, they are more trouble than they're worth.  Most people are disgusting slobs so unless you're married, it's too much aggravation to tolerate.  Do not under any circumstances get a pet.  It will just die.  If you're not married and don't have a girlfriend, you'll notice the absence even more profoundly.  Just don't go there in the first place. 

And drink.  It's one of the few licit pleasures a single person is allowed. 

Then I suppose we shouldn't befriend people, because they'll just die too at some point.

Or, more likely, screw you over and/or stab you in the back.

Doc, I bequeath thee the title "Official Forum Misanthrope". You're welcome. 

[DrBombay]

Find a hobby.  Stamp collecting or baseball cards or play an instrument.  Avoid roommates, they are more trouble than they're worth.  Most people are disgusting slobs so unless you're married, it's too much aggravation to tolerate.  Do not under any circumstances get a pet.  It will just die.  If you're not married and don't have a girlfriend, you'll notice the absence even more profoundly.  Just don't go there in the first place. 

And drink.  It's one of the few licit pleasures a single person is allowed. 

Then I suppose we shouldn't befriend people, because they'll just die too at some point.

If your friends have the life span of a cat or dog, no offense but I don't want to be your friend.  If your friends have the life span of a guinea pig, I might be forced to contact your local law enforcement.

Although I'm sure you're a fine young man.   

[DrBombay]

And in all seriousness, avoiding loving anyone is the safest, surest and easiest way to avoid pain.  We all have enough pain of our own that we don't ask for.  No need to volunteer for it.  Shakespeare said, "Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all" but Shakespeare was a hack.  It's much worse to lose someone you love.  Why risk the horrible pain?  No reason, unless you're a god-forsaken hopeless romantic and panty-wearing sissy.  Bah.   

[DrBombay]

Find a hobby.  Stamp collecting or baseball cards or play an instrument.  Avoid roommates, they are more trouble than they're worth.  Most people are disgusting slobs so unless you're married, it's too much aggravation to tolerate.  Do not under any circumstances get a pet.  It will just die.  If you're not married and don't have a girlfriend, you'll notice the absence even more profoundly.  Just don't go there in the first place. 

And drink.  It's one of the few licit pleasures a single person is allowed. 

Then I suppose we shouldn't befriend people, because they'll just die too at some point.

Or, more likely, screw you over and/or stab you in the back.

Doc, I bequeath thee the title "Official Forum Misanthrope". You're welcome. 

I'm glad I have an official title at last.  Especially since the Taco Bell kid stole my real official (and trademarked I might add) title, "The Sword That Smites Evil."  Kids today.