How to be Single & Alone

Being single is tough. It's hard to be content with life when you're alone. We are relational beings, which means humans like relationships. We thrive on them. To be alone is contradictory to nature. And yet, so many people are dissatisfied with their current relationship status. Either they're alone and wish they had someone, or they do have someone, but they aren't fully satisfied with that relationship. Maybe they are just miserable, or they're afraid to leave because they think it's better to be with SOMEONE (even the wrong someone) than to be alone. This is not an uncommon fear. What are the "rules" to being single, and why is it important to spend time getting to know yourself, before trying to dive into a relationship or commitment?