Some people are happy being alone, and they have 18 reasons why they choose single life

More and more Americans are opting out of coupledom. That’s the takeaway from a new Pew Research Center study that shows nearly 40% of adults are currently single, a sharp increase from 1990.

And it’s not just about being between relationships. Half of these solo flyers say they’re happily uncoupled and have no plans to change their status.

Bella DePaulo, a lifelong single woman from Santa Barbara, California, is part of this growing trend. She’s found that embracing the single life has been incredibly fulfilling.

“I had never heard of such a thing as being happily single and wanting to stay single,” she said.

DePaulo, a social psychologist and author of books like Singled Out and Alone, found that accepting her single status brought her happiness.

She describes her solo life as genuine, satisfying, meaningful, and emotionally fulfilling, TIME noted.

Researchers are beginning to explore the complexities of being single—why people choose it, its benefits and challenges, and its impact on well-being.

Traditionally, singles were overlooked in research and influenced by societal norms and biases, according to Geoff MacDonald, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto.

“We’ve been going along with society’s story about single people, and there have been structural incentives to kind of make single people the punching bag,” he said.

However, attitudes are evolving. Marriage rates have declined, and marrying later is more common.

Today, marriage is seen not as the sole path to family or financial stability but as one of several routes to happiness.

MacDonald says that evidence shows people in romantic relationships often feel better than singles, generally happier and more satisfied with life.

However, marriage doesn’t make people happy; happier people are more likely to marry.

Many factors influence this, as some single people are very happy, while some in relationships are unhappy.

There are many reasons to choose a single life; here are the most common ones.

1. Sexual dysfunction.

Sexual issues stemming from abuse or medical conditions can lead some individuals to opt for singlehood rather than addressing these challenges within a relationship, says Power of Positivity.

2. Being single means you don’t have to commit to one partner.

Not being committed allows you to make choices freely, avoiding conflicts. This freedom is highly valued by strong, independent individuals.

3. Being single can help you fight addiction.

Struggling with substance abuse can delay readiness for a relationship. Casual encounters might suffice temporarily, but overcoming addiction takes priority before committing to a relationship.

4. Bad experience with past relationships.

Some opt for singlehood after past relationship pain, preferring to avoid repeating similar experiences.

5. Limited dating experience.

Some people find it hard to start relationships because they lack dating skills and don’t know how to get better. This can lead them to make less effort in dating because they feel socially awkward.

6. Chooses career over relationship.

Some prioritize their careers over relationships, opting not to involve others due to demanding jobs, which is common among professionals like doctors and lawyers, whose work consumes much of their time.

7. Being single helps improve finances.

Romance often demands financial stability, as people generally avoid partners who face financial struggles. Individuals dealing with disabilities or limited resources may prioritize self-care over pursuing relationships.

8. Being single means lower stress levels.

Challenges can arise in relationships, but handling only your responsibilities can be less stressful. Some prefer solitude for a simpler, less dramatic life.

9. Prefers to live alone.

Living with someone means sharing your space, belongings, and time. Some prefer living alone to avoid sharing. Relationships require compromise, which not everyone is willing to make.

10. Fear of losing personal identity.

In relationships, there’s often pressure to conform. Some avoid compromise, fearing it will compromise their identity.

11. Being overly choosy.

Some people remain single because they are overly selective, seeking a partner who meets all their criteria and sometimes underestimating others while overestimating themselves.

12. Being single may contribute positively to mental health improvement.

Dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues might make staying single more appealing. Many people lack understanding of mental illness, and you may prefer not to share that aspect of your life with someone else.

13. Children from past relationships.

Having children from a previous relationship could be one of the reasons to choose a single life, avoiding potential conflicts like those portrayed in movies with stepfamily stereotypes. This choice can be to protect their bond with their children, and waiting until the children are older might be considered the family’s best decision.

14. Fear of divorce.

Some people avoid marriage due to a fear of divorce, wanting to protect their assets and avoid drama. Past divorce experiences can also make them wary of entering into new relationships.

15. Being in a relationship takes effort.

All relationships demand effort, even seemingly perfect ones. Choosing a single life may happen if you’re not ready to invest the work needed to sustain a partnership.

16. Being introverted.

Introverts often choose solitude and may be perceived as shy, though this isn’t always true. Many prefer to stay single because they are uncomfortable stepping out of their comfort zone to meet new people, finding social gatherings daunting.

17. Struggling to move on from a past love.

Thinking about first love or the parent of your children can make moving on difficult, especially when you still deeply care for them. Dealing with unrequited love is a significant emotional challenge. It can potentially lead to broken heart syndrome, as noted by the National Institutes of Health.

18. Avoiding rejection.

The fear of rejection when connecting with others can be daunting, especially if you’ve experienced it before.

Watch the video below about the benefits of being single: