Look: We’ve all been there.
We’ve all entered into relationships too young and too fast, which ultimately resulted in the inevitable break up. The dating culture today sucks, no doubt, and millennials are definitely commitment-phobes. Even I sense that fear in myself. Someone who has been involved in an on again off again relationship for almost 5 years, only to end it this summer because I felt like I just couldn’t do it anymore.
I sometimes wonder if I’m the only girl who feels this way, since my Facebook feed is constantly flooded with articles like “The 3 Secrets To Being The Kind of Woman A Guy COMMITS To 100%” and “7 Scientifically Proven Ways to Make Him Fall for You.” The sad part about these articles is that none of them embrace being single or give helpful tips on how to successfully do so. (Side note: This comprehensive guide on flirting from The Babble Out is quite good.)
It’s very clear that while I’m no good at holding down a relationship, I am good at showing off. I find it only proper to write a blog on how to kill it on Instagram when you’re single.
To Capture Your Life, You Need to Have a Life
You’re single now, which means you can do all of the things you couldn’t do when you were in a relationship. Congrats! Also, if you’re just getting out of a relationship it will be a delicate time and you’re going to need the support of your friends. Reconnect, go out, try new places, do new things, and travel to places you never been. Tag your location and prove to yourself (and your followers) that life goes on and you’re living it bigger and better than ever. The best part about Instagram is that you’re able to make memories and document them in a nanosecond. Embrace these times with your crazy friends, even if they do need to be physically carried out of happy hour every so often.
Stop Caring About What Others Think of You
The downside to Instagram is that everyone is overly concerned with the amount of likes that roll in. Being completely honest, I am too. However, estimating how many likes you’re going to receive on a picture shouldn’t be your first thought when posting something. Being single means taking this time to focus on YOU, what YOU like, what YOU need, and what YOU want. If you genuinely like your upload, then smash that Post button without hesitation. Confidence is always key. When you are accepting of yourself, that boldness shines through your images and your followers will take notice.
(Just don’t double post. If you do, cut that nonsense out immediately.)
A photo posted by Gianna Leto (@gigileto) on
Take Risks But Keep It Classy
When you’re in a relationship, there’s a comfort zone that you normally don’t like to drift away from in fear of upsetting or displeasing your partner. In some cases, a selfie can be detrimental. Now that you have no one on your back, it’s easier to post something a little riskier. Take the leap and post something you never thought you would. Step out of the box and express yourself any way you want to. However, try not to go overboard. It’s totally fine to show some skin in your bikini beach pictures but make sure to leave something to the imagination.
Always respect yourself. Unfortunately, we can’t all be Kendall Jenner posting pictures wearing see-through shirts and expecting it to be okay. Kendall, you still slay, girl.
Be True To Yourself
The great thing about being single is that you’re able to make yourself your own project. When dating someone, it’s very easy to lose touch with yourself and make them the center of your universe. Now is the time to learn about yourself again, to figure out what you like, what you dislike, what you enjoy doing, and rediscover all of the things that make you, you. Your social media accounts are a reflection of yourself. Never try to be someone you’re not in order to please other people.
Are you the artsy hipster? The world traveler? The foodie? Or are you the club-hopping kind of gal that strolls through the door at 4:30 a.m. like myself? (Party girls don’t get hurt, right?) Whatever your image may be, stay true to it. Whatever it is you like to do, let your ‘Gramming speak to it. Be fearless, be shameless, and find yourself again.
A photo posted by Gianna Leto (@gigileto) on
Life is short, ladies. You’re never going to get this time back. Enjoy your singledom and post away! Relationships are wonderful, but they are not everything. In the meantime, think about the dramatic song lyric you’re going to caption your selfie with later.
Gianna out.
