Yesterday marked Single’s Day, a national holiday originating from China but has spread to other countries. It has found a small place in the United States.
The holiday, initially known as ‘Bachelor’s Day,’ started in 1993 with single students at Nanjing University in China celebrating their relationship status. The date itself, Nov. 11, represents four single people standing together.
Nowadays, single people observe the holiday by shopping online and taking advantage of Single’s Day deals. People also use the day to treat themselves to something like a fancy meal. It’s like a fusion between Black Friday and Valentine’s Day, but for singles.
Single’s Day is not as popular in the US as it is in China, but several brands, such as Lenovo and Athleta, participated with discounts online. Nearby, Westfield Valley Fair Mall featured a luxury shopping event.
In honor of the holiday, the Dispatch asked a few questions to some singles at Del Mar to celebrate singularity.
Alexa Campos Castro, 11th grade
The Dispatch: How do you like to treat yourself? Or, what’s your favorite form of self-care?
Castro: I like to write stories, draw, sing, or play video games.
D: What do you think is one pro of being single?
C: One pro of being single is that I don’t have to worry about what another person in my life significantly thinks of me. I have more freedom.
D: Do you have anything to say to people who feel like they need a significant other?
C: Don’t feel pressured by society to have a significant other just because it looks like something that you should do to have a complete life. You can be perfectly happy as yourself. Romantic relationships are not the only fulfilling relationships you can have. Familial relationships and friendships can still be super fulfilling and joyful. Romantic relationships aren’t an end all be all.
Tony Avina, 12th grade
D: How do you like to treat yourself? Or, what’s your favorite form of self-care?
Alvina: I like to go play hockey and eat fried chicken waffles afterward.
D: What do you think is one pro of being single?
A: Your schedule revolves around yourself, so you have a lot more time to do stuff that you like to enjoy personally.
D: Do you have anything to say to people who feel like they need a significant other?
A: Life is great and enjoying it on your own can be fun if you make it fun.
Samantha Galapate, 9th grade
D: How do you like to treat yourself? Or, what’s your favorite form of self-care?
Galapate: Sleeping.
D: What do you think is one pro of being single?
G: Less money spent going out.
D: Do you have anything to say to people who feel like they need a significant other?
G: Lock in.
Sebastian Yuen, 12th grade
D: How do you like to treat yourself? Or, what’s your favorite form of self care?
Yuen: I like to treat myself by playing games with my friends, doing hobbies like playing and composing music, sleeping early, and reading. My favorite form of self care would be exercising, journaling, and daily hygiene.
D: What do you think one pro of being single is?
Y: I think one pro of being single is that I have more time to do stuff with my friends. I remember that when one of my friends got a gf, he kinda stopped playing games with me and my friends. He also didn’t really text as much. But recently, he started spending a little more time with us so that’s nice.
D: Do you have anything to say to people who feel like they need a significant other?
Y: I would tell them to continue working on themselves. Keep doing things that make yourself better like hitting the gym and being a good person because someone will eventually come to you. Also don’t forget about your friends and family if you’re looking for someone.
