Single Pringle: Stop wishing away your single life and learn to flourish solo

by Stacey June

It's SO important to love yourself wholeheartedly and love your single life - Stacey shows you how.' - Melissa Ambrosini

We're encouraged to be comfortable doing our own thing these days. Female empowerment! Be independent! But many of us have yet to master the tools for living happily on our own.

Stacey June is here to help! With the assistance of a whole slew of experts, a wild variety of romantic and sexual partners, a few fairly average boyfriends, and some healers, yogis and 'kumbaya' moments, Stacey dives into the principles of being comfortable alone, living independently and going after every opportunity in life.

Learn the ins and outs of why you're staying in a relationship for too long, dating for the wrong reasons, discovering that casual sex doesn't always feel 'single and fabulous' and a whole lot more. Practice self-care, go on a date with yourself and never stop believing in love - because it's completely possible to live happily solo while still being open to relationships.

Let's stop wishing away our single lives, because the single pringle life is awesome.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Relationships, Love

304 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Emma Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me at a time where I was really confused about relationships, being single and what I wanted in life. As a result, I took the time to heal and find myself and good things have flowed ever since! I recommend it to all of my girl friends who I see chasing men and not truly living their best life. <3

[Bethany Markham-Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

“How to flourish being single, by me! A married woman!” 👎

[Meg &#x1f31e;]

a little bit millenial-girlbossy, but had some bits and pieces that were interesting insights

[Water Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new or life-changing so I wouldn’t recommend it. The writer seemed to be holding back, and despite some vulnerable anecdotes trying a bit hard to be cool. Like saying “werk” instead of work. I never thought deliberately misspelling words was cool. And calling female best friends wifeys. I get what she meant but makes me recoil. She put disclaimers and tried to be inoffensive/kind to all demographics in a really obvious way. Other times alienating the reader by explaining words like “patriarchy” as if we’re dumb. I did agree with plenty of the advice but at the same time kept thinking, none of this is revolutionary and she has a poor track record so why should I take this advice. The stuff about souls felt like it was leafed straight from another book because the info seemed rehashed rather than understood and there was not much depth to it. She also romanticized a few bad dates. Not every one is a learning experience. Towards the end I found it a chore to read and felt the writer probably got more out of it than the reader. And I really didn’t like the female/masculine traits section. I understand the cultural origins but she discussed assigning genders to very specific traits, such as masculine for clarity with numbers. To me it’s simply reinforcing outdated and harmful stereotypes. Can we not just lean in to our strengths, rather than saying we are off balance when being too feminine or masculine, etc. I did however appreciate her honesty about sex and the emphasis on being assertive to be fulfilled in that aspect of relationships. I also appreciate that she acknowledged you can want something intimate and regret it later. And while she’s leaving herself open to criticism, I’m thankful she was honest enough to admit she had flirted with a married man on a work trip. Don’t like what she did but you have to applaud she is being transparent about that stuff. She didn’t have to disclose it. I did find small nuggets of wisdom but not much. I liked the analogy of expecting a happy life without putting in work is like expecting an A in school when you didn’t study for the test. That was my best takeaway. But other than that it wasn’t anything special.

[Helen Smart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed feeling about this one. There were a few nuggets of helpful advice but mostly the book seemed like an excuse for her to talk about how much casual sex she was or wasn't having. It was all a bit self contradictory in parts too, like trying to celebrate being single but all this self work was preparing you for a relationship. There was a casual nod to the concept that you can not have a relationship if you want but then treated it as if the relationship was the end goal. I was getting a bit tired of it by the end and have to admit I skimmed the chapter on law of attraction, which I have little patience for.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for a book that celebrates being single and provides an empowering story around independent life. This was not it. It’s more of the woo-woo self help style read, the aim is to get into a good/healthy relationship. Which is fine, just not what I was after.

[Chloe Ferrari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is a must read (or listen, I loved the Audible version also) by anyone single or in a bad relationship!!!

[Katie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review coming soon, but wow I’ve never resonated with a book so much in my life. I listened to the audiobook and it felt like a big sister giving me her advice on not just relationships and finding love within yourself, but healing your spiritual health and strengthening all of your relationships in life. 5/5

[Gia (지아) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was told to read this by a friend after declaring myself on an indefinite 'dating hiatus' last year. For the first few chapters, I was genuinely really enjoying this despite being an avid skeptic of anything even remotely resembling self-help. I thought the insights provided went beyond the usual "get a hobby" or "spend time with friends" (actually, I found it interesting that Stacey June said that being surrounded by friends all the time can also be damaging as it prevents you from ever being alone with yourself). I think that the (very) brief introductory psych chapter was actually kind of helpful, it asked you to think about your perceptions of love and relationships and where they began / where they came from. This book 100% lost me after this though, and I think that's just a personal thing of mine and nothing to do with the book itself. All the talk about manifesting, law of attraction, shrines (?) etc etc... yeah, nah.

While this book did provide some wisdom, it also provided lines such as "the you who separates your thoughts from you is you." ????????????????????

In conclusion, not for me, but I can see why people like this.

[Beth Younge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting and anecdotal but this was just missing something for me. I wanted to like it so much and it just had too many moments where i felt like i was being preached and the chosen topic was approached wrong. June said some really interesting and thought-provoking things in this but i just wish the delivery was done a little differently.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Wattle · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Single Pringle: Stop wishing away your single life and learn to flourish solo” for a book that’s about being single, there’s an awful lot about dating in it 🙄

It’s not preaching anything to do about flourishing on your own, it’s about ‘bettering’ yourself for your endgame relationship. No thanks.

Easy to listen to but it’s not what it says it is. Content is 0/5 but audio is 3/5 so split the difference.

[Kaitlynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Currently I am doing a challenge around mental toughness that dictates I must read from a Non fiction book and if you start a book you must finish it. I finished this book but God it was hard! Normal circumstances this would have been a DNF. Too much talk of Angel Cards and hippy shit for my liking.

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion this book reads more like a memoir rather than a helpful guide. Some good points were in there for exploring and enjoying your time alone but I felt I was having to rehash Stacey’s love for breath work, yoga and meditation a little too often.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting view (well different to mine anyway) of what it means to be single and the author's struggle to be comfortable with herself, thus looking outward to fill her time and fulfill herself via sex, unhealthy relationships, always spending time with others. I liked how she was open with her journey in "discovering herself", so to speak, in that it wasn't a big revelation that changed everything, but tiny steps where she learnt about herself and what was important to her.

While I don't agree with everything she holds to (there are concepts of "polarity", yin yang, self care work and the inner friend which seem a bit out there to me), it was still a fairly self-reflective read overall.

Funnily enough, I was able to see a few parallels or contrasts with my faith (Christianity) while reading this book:
- The fear of being single: while our relationships are important, ultimately we put God first, not relationships first (and we have our community as a support system)
- Not being able to control everything: we know in all things, God is in control
- Learn to sit quietly, and listen to your intuition (inner friend): I kinda saw this one as the Holy Spirit, a counsellor and helper that God has given to those who believe

[Freyja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some valuable lessons in this book - I will definitely be adopting the “take what resonates and leave the rest” approach to it. I appreciate honest and raw perspectives on the toll of toxic dating culture and the value of singledom as someone who chooses to be alone. Wasn’t the hugest fan of the chapter on “masculine and feminine energies” as I fundamentally disagree with ideas like leadership and confidence being masculine qualities, so ended up choosing to skip to the next.

I also didn’t love the lens of self-love as a necessary step to a loving relationship rather than as a necessary part of life to become a whole, actualised, happy person. Yes, maybe that work does need to be done to get to a perfect relationship, but that shouldn’t be the only motivation. A more honest and accurate title would be “Single Pringle: Stop wishing away your single life because a relationship will come when you stop looking for it”.

Definitely a white, middle class, millennial “girl-boss” read, but with critical thinking and discernment I can decide which aspects to attend and which to ignore.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're encouraged to be comfortable doing our own thing these days. Female empowerment! Be independent! But many of us have yet to master the tools for living happily on our own.

Stacey June, with a who slew of experts, unpacks what it means to be single and how to explore what makes you happy by yourself. It’s a really interesting and informative book that makes you sit with challenging questions to get to the core of what you value and what makes you happy.

Learn the ins and outs of why you're staying in a relationship for too long, dating for the wrong reasons, discovering that casual sex doesn't always feel 'single and fabulous' and a whole lot more. Practice self-care, go on a date with yourself and never stop believing in love - because it's completely possible to live happily solo while still being open to relationships.

Embrace the time of being single and enjoy what you have to offer yourself.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! Got it as a Xmas gift and felt a bit shady about it actually, but am SO glad I received this.

The break down of useful tools was so helpful and I think it had something for everyone. That’s if you are open to shifting. I can see I would face found some of it confronting a few years ago! She delivered truths but In a fun and friendly way. Like a sister or friend.

Love! Love! Love!

Have taken notes and will read again and again.

Highly recommend.

[Melita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helped me at a time when I was feeling a bit lonely. I liked how the author had tips written in a casual way, not like I’m conventional self help/psychology books. However compared to psychology books on this topic, I prefer ones written by psychologist. I recommend if you want advice but don’t like reading self help books and prefer a self help book written as if you were talking to a friend rather than a psychologist.

[Zara Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so much out of this book! It's very empowering and inspiring. It's not for everyone and very specific to those in certain life circumstances but if the title is making you feel something, then thats a sign this is definitely for you!

[Charlotte Cake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enticing read full of advice and personal experience that is written in a free flowing conversational way. I found the tips and advice easy to follow on self worth and confidence. Would recommend

[Kate Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get anything out of this. Cringey, bland, obvious. Sucked in by the cool cover art.

[Bronte Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Every girl should read this

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacey had a very fresh viewpoint on embracing and challenging what it is like to be single, and the freedom of choice that comes with it. I loved this!

[Chelsea Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A positive encouraging book.

[Girls Alwaysreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a little self empowerment, look no further. A refreshing read on all things about self love and self reflection! I wish my younger self had the chance to read this

[Bek Mason · Rating 1 out of 5]

A real struggle to get through