12 Surprising Reasons Women Are Choosing To Stay Single

12 Surprising Reasons Women Are Choosing To Stay Single

Even in 2024, being in a relationship is often seen as the default setting, but more and more women are flipping the script and embracing single life with open arms. You’re not shunning love or walking around averse to companionship — it goes a bit deeper than that. A growing number of women are perfectly happy to stay single, and they’re redefining happiness on their own terms. Here’s why this is the case.

1. They Value Their Freedom.

You know the feeling of being able to do what you want, whenever you want? That’s the kind of freedom I’m talking about. Women who choose the single life often do it because they cherish this freedom. They love making spur-of-the-moment plans or changing their minds last minute without having to check in with someone else. It’s like having an all-access pass to life’s spontaneous moments, and they wouldn’t trade that for the world.

2. They’re Focused on Their Careers.

Then there are the women who’ve got their eyes on the prize, career-wise. They’re in the fast lane, and for them, a relationship might feel like unnecessary baggage that could slow them down. They’ve got goals as high as skyscrapers and the ambition to match. Staying single means they can pour all that energy into climbing the corporate ladder or building their business empire, no holds barred.

3. They’re Open to Different Forms of Love.

And here’s a beautiful thing: love isn’t just found in romantic relationships. These women are exploring love in its many forms — the platonic love of a deep friendship, the passionate love for a hobby, or the profound love of self-discovery. They’re expanding their hearts in directions that don’t necessarily involve a partner but are just as fulfilling and profound. It’s about recognizing the love that’s all around and knowing that it’s enough, sometimes even more than enough.

4. They Enjoy Their Own Company.

serious woman talking on phone outdoors

Ever met someone who’s just really into their own vibe? That’s these women. They’ve discovered the joy of their own company, and they love it. They can spend a whole day alone, lost in a book or a project, and come out of it feeling refreshed and fulfilled. It’s not about not liking people; it’s about liking themselves enough to enjoy solitude.

5. They’re Exploring Their Independence.

smiling woman sitting at desk

Independence is a big deal. More and more women are finding that being single is the ultimate independence experiment. They’re learning new skills, tackling challenges, and frankly, just doing things for themselves, by themselves. It’s empowering. It’s like every day is a new adventure when you’re the one calling all the shots.

6. They Want to Avoid the Emotional Labor.

The whole emotional labor thing is real. Some women are saying ‘no thanks’ to relationships to skip the extra work of managing someone else’s feelings on top of their own. They’ve been the emotional caretaker before and now they’re taking a break. It’s not that they don’t care about others’ feelings, but they’re focusing on balancing their own emotional checkbook right now.

7. They’re Financially Savvy.

So there’s this new trend, right? Women are getting super smart with their money, and for some, flying solo is part of that financial game plan. It’s like being the sole CEO of your finances, no need to merge funds or figure out who’s buying dinner. They’re enjoying the solo ride, padding their savings, investing without having to consult anyone, and splurging when they want to. It’s a financial freedom that can be pretty sweet.

8. They Can Prioritize Their Health and Well-being.

When you’re not factoring in a partner’s needs, you’ve got more time to focus on you. And these women? They’re making the most of it. Whether it’s hitting a spin class at 6 AM, going vegan, or just getting that full 8 hours of sleep, they’re putting their health and wellness at the top of the to-do list. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about being self-full.

9. They’re Waiting for the Right Reasons.

Now, here’s a big one: a lot of women are staying single because they’re waiting for the right reasons to change that status. They’re not interested in dating just to fill some societal expectation or to avoid being alone. They know their worth, and they’re holding out for a partner who amplifies their life, not just someone who fits the ‘plus one’ slot. They’re playing the long game for love, not just the next game.

10. They Have a Strong Support Network.

serious woman long dark hair outside

Having a tribe is key, and for some single women, their squad is all the company they need. These ladies have tight-knit circles of friends, family, even colleagues who fill their days with laughter, support, and memorable moments. It’s about quality connections, not just romantic ones. And when you’ve got friends who feel like family and family who feels like friends, well, you’re pretty much set.

11. They’ve Witnessed Problematic Relationships.

serious blonde woman outside

Sometimes, the choice to stay single comes from a place of observation rather than experience. These women have seen relationships around them go south — friends, family, celebrities, you name it. They’ve taken notes and realized they’d rather not gamble until they’re sure it’s a bet worth making. It’s not about being cynical; it’s about being cautious and making sure they’re entering into something that adds to their life, not complicates it.

12. They Value Their Sleep and Personal Space.

making food

Ever sprawled out in the middle of your bed and thought, “Ah, this is the life”? Well, for some women, that’s a nightly celebration. They cherish their sleep and personal space too much to give it up. Sharing a bed is great and all, but full, uninterrupted starfish position every night? Priceless. And it’s not just about physical space — it’s about mental space, too. They love their quiet moments, their decor, their routines, and they’re not rushing to change that for just anyone.

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Harper Stanley graduated from Eugene Lang College at The New School in NYC in 2006 with a degree in Media Studies and Literature and Critical Analysis. After graduating, she worked as an editorial assistant at The Atlantic before moving to the UK to work for the London Review of Books.

When she's not waxing poetic about literature, she's writing articles about dating, relationships, and other women's lifestyle topics to help make their lives better. While shocking, she really has somehow managed to avoid joining any social media apps — a fact she's slightly smug about.
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