5 Ways of Being Single and Happy Inspired by Art

1. Love and Take Care of Yourself

If you want to be single and happy, the first step is to learn how to love and take care of yourself. While this may seem obvious, many people find it challenging to truly feel love for themselves. Loving yourself means accepting every aspect of who you are, including your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your successes and failures, triumphs and challenges.

Self-love does not involve narcissism or selfishness. Instead, it means having a healthy and stable view of yourself based on your own beliefs, observations, and values, rather than relying on the opinions and judgments of others. Therefore, make an effort to care for your body and mind and embrace who you truly are. The lady in the artwork below seems to have fully embraced this concept.

Vanity by Auguste Toulmouche

This charming painting, titled Vanity, was created by the French painter Auguste Toulmouche and explores themes of beauty and self-admiration. It depicts a woman in an elegant pink dress kissing her reflection in a mirror.

In the background, details such as blue walls, gold-patterned curtains, and a large, gold-painted mirror enhance the fashionable elegance and romantic atmosphere of the era. Complementary elements, including a sophisticated vase filled with beautiful flowers and a table, emphasize the protagonist’s wealth.

2. Explore the World of Hobbies and Sports

Once you master self-love, you’ll realize the many ways how you can be single and happy. The truth is that being single gives you ample time to focus on yourself and nurture your creativity. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore your interests and potential through various activities and hobbies.

You can try your hand at art, music, and sports. Engaging in these activities will boost your self-confidence and enhance your mental and physical health. Just look at how confidently the young man practices his hobby in the painting below! Aren’t you tempted to learn a musical instrument?

The Violin Player by Judith Leyster

This cheerful young man was painted by Judith Leyster, a Dutch Golden Age artist. His dynamic pose and the quick brushstrokes used to depict him playing the violin create an illusion of movement and excitement. Many of Leyster’s early works feature dramatically lit night scenes with expressive faces.

3. Travel by Yourself

Is there anything more liberating than traveling alone? Another way to embrace being single and happy is to start your own solo travel adventures. Whether it’s a hike in the countryside or a 10-day trip to a neighboring country, the choice is entirely yours.

You’ll have the freedom to do what you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover yourself more fully through new places, cultures, and experiences. Imagine yourself as a free horse galloping joyfully toward the destinations you’ve always dreamed of, much like the one depicted in Franz Marc’s beautiful painting.

Horse in a Landscape by Franz Marc

Franz Marc’s Horse in a Landscape is one of the first examples of his new understanding of color. He painted it in 1910 while he was with artist August Macke. In this painting, the horse is positioned at the forefront, turned away from the viewer, as it gazes out at the landscape. Despite the bright red color of the horse, it remains relatively subdued, which enhances the sense of depth in the composition. In contrast, the landscape derives its impact from the large areas of color with their pure tone values, as well as the vivid contrast between red and its complementary color, green.

4. Enjoy your Friends and Your Community

Being single doesn’t mean you have to be completely alone. It’s important to surround yourself with supportive people and spend quality time with them, or to be part of a wonderful community. In fact, when you’re single, you often have more time to invest in those relationships. You can create beautiful memories, have fun, gain new experiences, or enjoy a relaxed lunch with friends, much like the scene depicted in Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party.

Luncheon of the Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

In 1862, Renoir made significant strides with the Luncheon of the Boating Party, capturing a lively scene of friends at Alphonse Fournaise’s inn in Chatou, along the Seine River. This painting is often considered a continuation of Moulin de la Galette due to its similar dimensions, and the number of people depicted.

Renoir was likely influenced by Émile Zola’s criticism of the Impressionists, who he claimed were incapable of creating complex and grand artworks. In this masterpiece, Renoir showcases a diverse range of Parisian society, featuring characters ranging from the wealthy bourgeoisie, to a young seamstress. The life-sized and individualized figures are rendered in vibrant colors, especially seen in the portrayal of Caillebotte, who is seated on a chair in the bottom right corner.

The painting vividly depicts the bottles, glasses, and fruit on the table, while the young girl in the flowery hat, Aline Charigot—who would later become Renoir’s wife—adds a touch of charm. Each character portrayed is a real person, showcasing Renoir’s thorough preparation for the piece.

Although Renoir later adopted more traditional painting techniques, Luncheon of the Boating Party remains characteristically impressionistic. It features bright colors and loose brushwork that conveys a sense of movement, while the still-life elements on the table appear more solid and defined.

5. Go to Museums

Last but not least, as a true art lover, one of the best ways to be single and happy is to visit museums, galleries, and archaeological sites. When you are accompanied, you might often hear complaints like, “Why are you sitting in front of that painting for so long?” or “This museum feels like my grandmother’s house.” However, when you explore these fascinating places on your own, it becomes just you and your passion for art. You can choose your cultural destinations and enjoy them at your own pace, without the need to constantly check the time.

View of the Salon Carré at the Louvre by Alexandre Jean-Baptiste Brun

This small oil painting it presents a detailed and accurate depiction of the Salon Carré as it appeared in the 19th century. Notable paintings by artists such as Veronese, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Poussin can be recognized in this artwork, among others.

In the 18th century, the Salon Carré hosted exhibitions by the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, popularizing the term Salon. Inaugurated in 1793 in the Denon Wing of the Louvre (then Muséum Central des Arts), it now displays Italian Primitives and the evolution of Parisian Salons.

The Salon became a significant cultural event, influencing artists through critiques from prominent figures such as Denis Diderot. After the Revolution, the Salon opened its doors to more artists through a jury selection process, leading to the establishment of the Salon des Artistes Vivants, which was active until 1848. It became an institution that shaped the careers and recognition of artists during that period.

There are many ways of being single and happy, and the key is to continue those practices even after entering a relationship. By prioritizing self-identity and self-care, you can achieve euphoria regardless of your situation. How do you maintain your happiness when you are single? Share your thoughts in the comments below!