: 01, 2026 3:43 pm : Happier single or in a relationship
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Article about happier single or in a relationship:
Recent research finds singlehood treats women more kindly than it does men. Key points. Many women will likely find greater satisfaction in singlehood
where they can live as they please.
Women are far less likely to rely solely on a romantic partner to meet their social needs. Women in relationships may feel their sexual needs go unmet more often than men do. When you hear the word “spinster
” what kind of person do you envision? Now
holding that thought
consider the word “bachelor." Who comes to mind? Likely
you’d envision two wildly different characters: a miserable old maid or a crazy cat lady versus a young
happy-go-lucky man. If these personas came to mind
you’d be thinking along the same lines as the masses. Societal norms have connotated these two terms with these very kinds of characteristics: single women are unhappy
lonely souls who spend their lives pining for a man
and single men are easygoing
charismatic charmers without a care in the world. However
findings from an October 2024 study in Social Psychological and Personality Science challenge our preconceived notions regarding single men and women. In fact
lead authors Elaine Hoan and Geoff MacDonald have seemingly flipped these stereotypes on their heads. According to Hoan and MacDonald’s findings
single women are significantly happier than single men. Here’s why
based on their research. 1. Single Women Have Higher Relationship Status Satisfaction. In comparison to single men
single women are significantly happier with their relationship status. That is
women are far more content with being single or unmarried than men are. As Hoan and MacDonald explain in an interview with Gilmore Health News
these findings may partly be due to the steady decay of outdated social norms. “Traditionally
there has been a lot of societal pressure on women to secure a mate and settle down so as not to be seen as ‘leftover women
’” they explain
adding
“This pressure may have been a major cause of unhappiness among single women. "With time
society has grown more lax with its prescriptions
allowing single women to be free and have the time of their lives
which they appear to be doing.” In addition
Hoan and MacDonald suggest that although some norms have softened
certain expectations around gender roles are still firmly in place. Specifically
they mention the gendered division of household labor
with women expected to shoulder chores and child-rearing without much assistance
and to be content doing so. They explain that these norms undeniably “lead to more rewards for men and more costs for women in committed heterosexual partnerships
” which may account for why women are so much more content with singlehood than men.
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