Singles’ Day doesn’t mean going solo. Here’s why 11.11 is worth celebrating with friends.

They say there is someone for everyone.

I prefer the idea that there is something for everyone.

Like how couples have Valentine’s Day every year, singles, too, get to celebrate a day all to themselves, at least unofficially.

Nov. 11, or 11.11, is an unofficial Chinese holiday for people not in a relationship.

I fall under this category and while that’s not always something to shout about, I’ve come to find that the day can come with a bunch of perks, when you’re with the right people.

At 25, I haven’t got ‘The One’ just yet, but I definitely met enough of the right people in my life whom I could meet for a catch up and a good meal.

Friends and food

My friends and I spent a lazy weekend afternoon in one of our houses hanging out like we always do.

But because some of us slept into midday and had not eaten all morning, it didn’t take long before we began frantically searching for food.

Unfortunately for us, that day had been an exceptionally warm one and the nearest food stall was a distance away, so we turned to the next best option: food delivery.

Friends and food, what could be better right?

Turns out, things could get even better.

We were delighted to find that Deliveroo is holding a 11.11 platform-wide promotion across a selected list of restaurants, as well as for groceries, from Nov. 3 to 16.

For instance, non-subscribers can get up to 40 per cent off their order, while Deliveroo Plus subscribers can enjoy up to 50 per cent off.

This was made even better when we found that among the restaurants included were a number of our usual haunts.

Say no more. For a bunch of young adults in their first full-time job, every cent saved is a win.

Half an hour of negotiations and compromises later, we settled on our common favourite food – mala for lunch.

But it wasn’t quite enough to tame our large appetites. After all, if we could save on each order, that means the more we order the more we save, right? At least that was what girl maths told us.

Plus, my friends and I love celebrating joyous occasions. Well, there was none to speak of on this day, but simply making it through to the end of the week was cause enough for celebration, so we settled on a mixed box of tarts, donuts and dacquoise.

What a win.

The dining table soon fell silent when the food arrived.

Once the conversation restarted, it was clear that everyone was more energised than just an hour ago.

We chatted and laughed with each other over the food. Conversations flowed smoothly as we ladled soup for each other.

In our excitement over the deals we had admittedly overbought food. But there was something for everyone to bring home that day and more importantly, the satisfaction of a blissful afternoon in each other’s company.

Some of us were in relationships and others not. Despite the different stages of life, I realised that the food we shared were the ties that bind us.

The best part? Saving money and energy by ordering in, all without having to step out into the heat.

Some reflections

The older I get, the more I am learning to value those around me simply for their presence, especially my family and friends.

As was often the case with past (failed) romances, I once bought into the idea that true happiness was in finding “The One”.

Instead, I realised being present in the moment with your loved ones, like over a shared meal, was what really made the difference.

This branded article by Deliveroo made this writer appreciate her friends and family just a little more.

Top images by Constance Tan