Tracee Ellis Ross talks about being "happily single" and her appreciation for "pleasant solitude."

In a society that puts ridiculous pressure on people to fix a significant other, even if they have no interest in doing so, it is quite bloody refreshing to hear icon Tracee Ellis Ross' (opens in new tab) thoughts on being single. Speaking to Shape (opens in new tab) Ross talked about "joyful solitude," enjoying her own company, and having "an experience with [her] self that is whole."

"I am happily single, but that doesn't mean I'm not open to romance, nor does it mean I don't want one," Ross shared.

"But in my wonderfully robust experience of being single, I have learned to have productive relationships with solitude, and to have fun solitude and intensely juicy relationships. [For example, one of my favorite things to do before I became pandemic was to wear cute clothes, go out to dinner, and enjoy beautiful food and wine. Well, I can't do that,' she continued. But, you know, I can do that at home. We make beautiful plates. I put them on plates and make gorgeous meals. And I make my bed every morning. One of the great things I've discovered is how much I take care of myself, how actively I love myself. I believe that love is an action: what you pour out is what you get back."

"One can be in a great relationship and not actually enjoy the joy of that connection. Because even if you have all the good stuff, if you don't know how to deal with it, it's meaningless," Ross recalled. 'Because my goal is to have a holistic experience with myself. I'll say it again.