Singlehood can be an opportunity for personal growth, research suggests

Singlehood does not have to be a stage people simply endure before finding a partner. New research suggests it can also offer room for personal growth, whether people chose it or are still learning to navigate it.

Society has long treated romantic relationships as central to a fulfilling life. Being partnered is often presented as a milestone, while being single is framed as something to overcome. But more young adults are delaying relationships or choosing to remain single, and more than half of single people are not looking for a partner.

The researchers followed 276 single adults aged 17 to 49. Participants reported how strongly they believed that singlehood offered opportunities for personal growth. The researchers then tracked their experiences daily for two weeks or weekly for six weeks.

People who saw greater growth potential in singlehood were more likely to seek new and exciting experiences. They also tended to feel more satisfied with being single, less anxious about their relationship status and more positive about life generally.

The article notes that not everyone experiences singlehood as a choice. Some people still want a relationship but face low dating confidence, financial pressure or bad experiences. Dating apps, now a common way to meet potential partners, can also produce burnout. Stepping away from dating may therefore reflect necessity as much as preference.