From the movies we watch and the music we listen to, to our friends and family, there is so much pressure from society to find "the one," settle down, and start a family. But while this is the general formula of life for so many people, it's not a universal blueprint. In fact, science has found several benefits of choosing to be single.
Relationships and marriage are still very much the status quo across essentially all cultures. It's to the point where if you're not shacked up by the time you're in your 30s or 40s, people start to wonder what's wrong with you. However, singledom should not be seen as a defect; it should be embraced. Being fully happy and fulfilled by yourself is extremely empowering and, in many cases, is a more balanced way to live.
Stronger social connections
Anyone who's been in a relationship or has had someone close to them start dating someone knows how relationships tend to cause friendships to fall off. People in relationships devote almost all their time and energy to their partner, and essentially forget about their friends, even though friends are arguably a more stable base. Serial daters may not realize that they feel lonely after breakups, not because they're single, but because they have no friends. Single people, on the other hand, devote more time and energy to their friends and family, making those connections stronger and more numerous. This gives them a more diverse and resilient support system. What's more, several studies have drawn a link between friendships and greater well-being, longevity, and happiness.
Better health
There's a reason your single friends are always the hottest: studies say single people tend to be fitter. When people find their person and "settle down," they also tend to let themselves go to some degree. According to surveys, single people tend to exercise more often than those who are married. A 2015 study also found that single people tend to have lower BMIs and weigh less on average. Single people have more time and different priorities, so they skip the gym less.
In addition to the physical benefits of singledom, it's also been tied to better mental health and emotional well-being. Relationships are a lot of work, and they can be a source of chronic stress. Being single can provide emotional stability.
More independence
Being single translates to a lot more freedom. You can travel all you want, move to a different country, and jump on job opportunities that require you to relocate. Studies have found solitude to be linked to greater creativity and productivity. When you're single, you make a lot more spontaneous decisions that can positively impact your life, you grow independently, and develop different skills. You're also more likely to be self-sufficient and be content with solitude, which is super important for leading a healthy, happy life.
What's more, being single has been tied to greater financial independence. Data by Debt.org shows that 21% of single people have credit card debt, which is six percent lower than married people, and (unsurprisingly) about 15 percent lower than married people with children. Despite the cost of living hitting single people harder, the fact that they're essentially only spending money on themselves allows them to have greater control over their finances. They also have more time to put into their career and side hustles, increasing their earning potential.
