Ashley James celebrates being single with stunning holiday snap

Ashley James has celebrated being single and has admitted that the time alone has 'allowed her to love herself'.

The former Made in Chelsea star, 30, took to her Instagram platform on Tuesday night to inspire her followers to 'search for the love all around them from friends and family' which will help them to 'start dating people who are good for them'.

As well as being 'pitied and patronised', Ashley also revealed her relationship status prevented her from having the same favourable rules as her pals with significant others. 

Ashley captioned the snap: 'Happily single. ✨ A friend of mine had her heartbroken this week and she asked me how I'm so happy single. And honestly I think it's because I've stopped seeing it as a bad thing, and have stopped allowing people to pity or patronize me for it. 

'Your relationship status can change all the time, it's not necessarily a good or a bad thing: it's just a thing that happens. The time alone has allowed me to really learn and love myself, and also love and invest in my friendships. 

'You're made to feel like there's something lacking but love is literally all around you and you can do pretty fun things with your friends if you give them the same energy.

'Plus, I've set some ground rules. Being single does not mean I shouldn't be treated as an adult entitled to the same independence as my friends in relationships. No I don't want to sleep in a child's room or on your sofa.

'No I don't want to share a bed, or be set up with your creepy cousin. I'll get a hotel or not come at all. If you want to ask me personal questions about my relationship status and happiness, I will ask you equally as encroaching questions about yours.✨.'

'I've only learnt all this in the last few months. I used to think people were lying if they didn't actively want / need someone else. But honestly, once you realise being single is fabulous, you'll start to date people who are actually good for you. 

And speak up and walk away quicker if they're less than up to standard, because you're perfectly fine without them,' Ashley continued. 

This comes after Ashley insisted on Good Morning Britain on Friday that she would be 'offended' if a partner went snooping through her phone, because it shows a lack of 'respect.       

The reality star, who is currently single, went on to admit that she previously snooped on an ex-boyfriend's phone, which led to her finding out that he was cheating on her.