Single this summer? Here's how to manage it flying solo

Long sunny days, outdoor festivities and warm evenings create the perfect backdrop for summer romance. While social media feeds might be filled with couples' romantic beach photos and family gatherings, Compatico's relationship expert Tiare Tolks sees summer as the chance to also embrace your solo status. "Summer is a wonderful time when everyone can flourish, whether you’re coupled up or not," she explains. "There are plenty of people out there finding creative ways to meet others and equally enjoy it on your own.”

Tiare suggests focusing on activities you genuinely enjoy. "Sometimes it's about picking up an old interest or trying something completely new," she explains. Whether it's hiring a paddle board, joining a running group that ends with a social activity or planning a camping trip, summer offers countless ways to be active and meet people who can become connected through their interests.

Family gatherings and holiday events can bring well-meant but tricky questions about your love life. It's perfectly normal to feel a flutter of defensiveness or a touch of sadness when these questions come up. Tiare emphasises the importance of acknowledging these feelings without letting them take over. "Be kind to yourself in those moments," she advises. "A bit of humour goes a long way – try something like 'Nothing to report yet, but you'll be the first to know!' before asking about their latest adventures."

The key is redirecting the conversation naturally. "Instead of dwelling on the question, turn it around," Tiare suggests. "Ask about their garden renovation, their recent trip, or their work – people often ask about relationships as a default conversation starter, and they're usually happy to talk about something else."

She also reminds us that being in a relationship isn't everything: "Sometimes at these gatherings, it's fascinating to observe the dynamics between couples. Not everything's perfect – probably 10% of the people at that party had a fight before they came!"

"I always think about self-determination," Tiare shares, "which has three key elements: mastery, autonomy, and relationships." These elements are particularly powerful for singles during summer.

Mastery comes from challenging yourself and building confidence – whether that’s learning to paddle board or taking up photography. Autonomy is about embracing your independence and freedom to design your perfect summer days. And relationships? They're not just about romance – summer offers countless ways to build meaningful connections through shared interests, from joining a local meet-up group to getting involved in community events. When you focus on these three elements, being single becomes less about what's missing and more about what you're gaining.

While it's great to enjoy your independence, wanting to share these summer moments with someone special makes perfect sense. At Compatico, we believe in bringing people together in a way that feels genuine and personal. Our summer events offer a relaxed way to meet others who value authentic connections as much as you do.

Our matchmakers take the time to understand you – what matters to you, what makes you laugh, what you're looking for in a partner.

Ready to try a different approach? Our team would love to discuss how we can help you, just book a free complimentary 15-minute chat here.