4 singlehood lessons from 'The Achy Breaky Hearts'

MANILA, Philippines – Being single in your thirties is something that bothers a lot of women.

They’re often being told that it’s not ideal to be single in that decade of one's life, with the capacity for childbirth and finding an ideal mate diminishing as years pass. Yet, are these reasons enough to rush to find a person to marry and have kids with?

The Antoinette Jadaone film “The Achy Breaky Hearts” tells the story of Chinggay, a thirty-something woman who has been single for seven years. Until one day, two guys are locked in a rivalry for her heart: her old flame Frank and her cutie costumer Ryan.

Everything seem to be in place, until the uncertainties slowly unfolds before Chinggay’s eyes.

The film teaches ladies that it’s okay to be single, no matter what age you are in. It won’t hurt to love yourself a little bit more than what is expected.

So here are four lessons about singlehood from Chinggay.

Embrace singlehood.

You may be single, but it doesn’t mean you are lonely. Being single is the time when you explore the world around you and do things you have always wanted – even the ones you thought would be better to do with that special someone.

So spend time with your family, have a blast with your friends, and travel wherever you want to go. Nothing will happen in your life if you keep on waiting for “The One” before pursuing your short-term goals.

Never settle for a compromise.

So you’ve been single for so long. Then there comes a man who is throwing himself at you, yet you have reservations. It may be similar with Chinggay who met again her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her or the cute guy who is still not over his ex-girlfriend.

If it doesn’t feel right and you know to yourself that there could be someone better, then don’t settle. It’s not called having high standards, it’s called knowing your self-worth.

Don’t rush love.

So this handsome guy sweeps you off your feet... until he came across his ex-girlfriend and drops you like a hot potato. Love is not transferable where if it doesn't work with the other, you can transfer it to another one who is willing to accept it.

Don’t rush getting into a new relationship after one has ended. Just like what Chinggay told Ryan in the film, he first had to heal, forgive the person who hurt him and above all forgive himself. After all, forgiveness will set you free.

Love yourself.

Everything starts with loving yourself. Justin Bieber (and Chinggay) was right. If you have showered yourself with so much love, there will be enough or even overflowing love that you can share with the people around you. You won’t even feel drained if you eventually share that love to your better half.

For if you love yourself you won’t easily settle and won’t rush into anything until you know that everything has fallen into place in the right place at the right moment.