Being single has some perks. There’s no one there to pester you during your shows, your cereal doesn’t get eaten before you have a chance to snack, and there are no unannounced house guests you have to tolerate. But sometimes, being single can get dull and well, just plain sad. Amanda Ford, author of the new book, Kiss Me, I’m Single: An Ode to the Solo Life, gives us insight on how to embrace the single life and get through those annoyingly rocky times.

Scenario:
Your best friend has a new boyfriend, your nephew in the third grade has a new girlfriend and even your dog has found a new playmate. Everyone around you is coupling up and seems to be finding love. How should you deal?  

Grit your teeth and be happy for your friend. Ford says, “I think a lot of times we start getting jealous, and we give our friends the cold shoulder.” Sad but true—the worst thing you can do is make your friend feel guilty for being happy, and she’ll no longer be your friend if you continue down this road.

Scenario:
It’s Saturday night and all of your friends are going on dates. You’re left at home watching Big Love ... and even polygamy is starting to look good. What’s a girl to do when her best friends for the night are Chloe Sevigny and Jeanne Tripplehorn?

Brainstorm. Write down places you want to travel, hobbies you want to learn and restaurants you want to try. Ford says it’s easy to forget what we want to do when we’re lonely¬¬. Just remember that one of the best perks of being solo is that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.