Being single in itself is not a boring circumstance. What you choose to make of the phase is solely dependent on you. You could be bored brainless while waiting with desperation for a partner to turn it around for you, or you could meet a partner while in a personal pursuit of the best life imaginable.
Not only is the gap small, but there are wide distributions in the level of happiness—so much so that many single people are happier than the average married person. And many married people are less happy than the average single person. Marriage might make people happier, but it is no guarantee of happiness.
To be single is utterly ordinary, more so now than any time in recent history, not just in the U.S. but in many places around the world. In the U.S., for example, nearly as many adults 18 and older are unmarried as married. Staying single for decades, or for life, is also becoming more commonplace.
Since no one can foretell the future, a single person cannot know for sure whether they will find someone who meets their expectations and subsequently marry them. It is this lack of clarity about the yet-to-be spouse that makes the loss ambiguous, and in turn difficult to manage or come to terms with.
For many, prolonged singlehood as an adult is a deeply heartbreaking experience. It goes beyond the awkward, if well-meaning, comments others make about your relationship status, not having a date for a holiday or an event, or general loneliness.
There are many reasons why being single might spike depressive symptoms for someone who is ready to be in a relationship. Most of these reasons likely stem from a thought distortion. We know that depression causes us to see the world differently and have distorted thinking about ourselves and others.
In fact, according to a recent Pew Research Center study, 69 percent of American adults are partnered, whereas 31 percent remain single. Among those who are single, half seem to be happy being single forever, as they are not currently looking for a relationship or dates.
In fact, research shows people are staying single for longer and settling down older, and some are choosing to be that way forever. Singledom isn't regarded as something to be pitied as much as it used to be. And quite right too, considering there are numerous mental and physical benefits to being on your own.
From nationalsinglesday.us, “Did you know that nearly 50% of U.S. adults are single?
Marriage has long been flouted as a health booster to couples, with those who tie the knot more likely to live longer and have fewer emotional problems. But a happiness expert has now suggested that it's men, rather than women, who benefit most from walking down the aisle.
Being single has a handful of benefits, scientific research has found. Studies suggest that single people tend to have stronger social networks and develop more as individuals. They even tend to be physically fitter.
Relationships give us the wonderful experience of connection and companionship. Without relationships, we tend to feel lonely and isolated. It is hard to get used to doing things alone after being in a relationship.
“Loneliness comes from feeling isolated and unfulfilled, and often, people who feel lonely get caught up making a habit of doing things that keep those patterns of isolation and loneliness going (such as turning down invitations to go out with friends, etc.).
The youngest and oldest Americans are the most likely to be single – 41% of those ages 18 to 29 and 36% of those 65 and older say they are single, compared with 23% of those 30 to 49 and 28% of those 50 to 64. These age differences bely huge differences by gender.
They are simply not interested in being in a serious relationship at this time in their life. Others are single due to the circumstances of their lives. They may have just gotten out of a meaningful relationship or have dated relentlessly and just haven't found someone with whom they're truly compatible.
The most common reason why it's so hard to fall in love is a fear of commitment. Labels can terrify some people, but for others, the uncertainty of where the relationship stands is also terrifying.
Yes…
If you are, you're not alone. About 56% of people in their thirties are married, while the other 44% of thirty-somethings are single. Marriage timing has changed since a few generations ago, where it was more common to marry young, today's population is filled with individuals who may have different goals.
A new Pew Research Center analysis found that about 38% of American adults ages 25-34 are single.
About 50.2 percent or 124.6 million American adults are single—in 1950, that number sat around 22 percent.
The youngest and oldest Americans are the most likely to be single – 41% of those ages 18 to 29 and 36% of those 65 and older say they are single, compared with 23% of those 30 to 49 and 28% of those 50 to 64.
Whether you're 35 or 75, it's never too late to fall madly (or gently and even sacredly) in love. Just ask actress Ellen Burstyn and a host of other women who found themselves in the heat of romance when they least expected it. My mother met the love of her life when she was 84.
It is okay to feel these things. But overall, being single in your 30s can be an empowering experience that allows you to focus on yourself and your own needs. So if you're feeling pressure to settle down, don't worry – being single in your 30s is a perfectly valid choice.