Single On Purpose

Starred review from November 2, 2020
Angry Therapist blogger Kim (I Used to Be a Miserable F*ck) uses his own failed relationships as lessons in this laugh-out-loud guide to single life. Kim writes of how he frequently catches himself making many of the same mistakes that he talks through with his clients each week. After losing himself in one serious relationship after another and coming to the realization that “relationship dysfunction feels like crack cocaine,” Kim decides to attempt to happiness on his own. “Single is about being a whole person. Even when you’re in a relationship. In fact, especially when you’re in a relationship.” According to Kim, being happy—single or not—begins with three daily goals: meaning (finding purpose by pursuing one’s passion), joy (allowing oneself simple pleasures, such as a morning coffee), and engagement (turning one’s attention to others). Instead of pursuing perfect, Kim asks readers to question one’s thoughts, list nonnegotiables, and find what makes one feel most alive. (For Kim, it’s riding a motorcycle.) After all, “self-care doesn’t mean bubble baths and fancy brunches. It really means taking care of yourself daily like you would for someone you love.” Kim’s wry humor and approachable lessons will appeal to any single reader looking for encouragement.