15 Reasons Men Are Choosing Freedom Over Forever

More and more men are choosing to stay single instead of settling down and getting married.

It’s not just a trend, it’s a full-blown phenomenon, as highlighted by Psychology Today. Gone are the days when a man’s worth was measured by his ability to provide for a family. Now, guys are realizing that they have options, and they’re not afraid to choose their own happiness over society’s expectations. Here’s why so many men are embracing the single life and saying “no thanks” to forever.

1. They’re prioritizing self-discovery and personal growth.

Many men are realizing that being single provides a unique opportunity for self-reflection and personal development. They’re taking the time to explore their own interests, passions, and values without the influence or expectations of a partner. They’re investing in therapy, coaching, or other forms of self-improvement to become the best version of themselves. They recognize that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and they’re not willing to rely on a relationship to complete them.

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2. They’re avoiding the financial risks of divorce.

With divorce rates hovering around 50%, per Forbes, some men are understandably wary of the financial risks of marriage. They’ve seen friends, family members, or colleagues go through messy and expensive divorces that have left them emotionally and financially drained. They’re not willing to put their hard-earned assets or future earnings on the line for a relationship that might not last. They’d rather protect their financial stability and independence by staying single.

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3. They’re embracing alternative forms of companionship.

 

Some men are finding fulfillment and connection through alternative forms of companionship, such as close friendships, chosen family, or even pet ownership. They’re building strong, supportive relationships with people who share their values and interests, without the pressure or expectations of a romantic partnership. They’re finding joy and meaning in these unconventional bonds, and they’re not willing to give them up for a traditional relationship.

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4. They’re wary of the unequal division of emotional labor.

Many men are becoming more aware of the unequal division of emotional labor that often occurs in heterosexual relationships. They’ve seen female partners take on the bulk of the work when it comes to managing the household, planning social events, or providing emotional support. They’re not willing to contribute to this imbalance or take on a disproportionate share of the burden. They’d rather be single than risk falling into traditional gender roles that don’t align with their values.

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5. They’re prioritizing their physical and mental health.

Some men are recognizing the toll that unhealthy relationships can take on their physical and mental well-being. They’ve experienced the stress, anxiety, and exhaustion that can come from constant conflict, poor communication, or mismatched expectations. They’re not willing to sacrifice their health and happiness for a relationship that doesn’t support their overall well-being. They’d rather focus on self-care, stress management, and healthy habits that promote their long-term vitality.

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6. They’re pursuing unconventional life paths and career goals.

For some men, the traditional path of marriage, homeownership, and 2.5 kids simply doesn’t align with their personal goals and aspirations. They may be pursuing unconventional career paths, such as entrepreneurship, freelancing, or digital nomadism, that require a high degree of flexibility and freedom. They may be drawn to alternative lifestyles, such as minimalism, veganism, or off-grid living, that don’t easily accommodate a traditional family structure. They’re not willing to compromise their unique vision for the sake of a relationship.

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7. They’re rejecting toxic masculinity and traditional gender roles.

As society becomes more aware of the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and rigid gender roles, some men are actively rejecting these limiting beliefs and behaviors. They’re embracing a more emotionally intelligent, vulnerable, and egalitarian approach to relationships. They’re not interested in playing the role of the stoic, dominant, or emotionally unavailable partner. They’d rather be single than conform to a narrow definition of masculinity that doesn’t reflect their authentic selves.

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8. They’re prioritizing their spiritual or philosophical beliefs.

For some men, their spiritual or philosophical beliefs are central to their identity and way of life. They may be deeply committed to a particular faith tradition, meditation practice, or ethical framework that guides their choices and actions. They’re not willing to compromise these beliefs or values for the sake of a relationship, especially if a potential partner doesn’t share or support them. They’d rather be single than risk losing touch with their spiritual or moral compass.

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9. They’re enjoying the freedom to travel and explore.

Many men are recognizing the incredible opportunities for growth, learning, and adventure that come with solo travel, per Forbes. They’re taking advantage of their single status to explore new countries, cultures, and experiences without the constraints or compromises of a relationship. They’re meeting new people, trying new things, and pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. They’re not willing to give up this sense of freedom and possibility for a partner who might not share their wanderlust.

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10. They’re focusing on their physical fitness and athletic pursuits.

For some men, their physical fitness and athletic goals are a top priority. They’re dedicated to training, competing, or pushing themselves to new levels of performance and achievement. They recognize that the time, energy, and focus required to excel in their chosen sport or activity can be difficult to balance with the demands of a relationship. They’d rather be single and fully committed to their athletic pursuits than risk compromising their progress or potential.

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11. They’re embracing their creative passions and artistic pursuits.

Many men are finding deep fulfillment and meaning through their creative passions and artistic pursuits. They’re pouring their hearts and souls into writing, painting, music, or other forms of self-expression that require intense focus, vulnerability, and solitude. They recognize that the creative process can be all-consuming and emotionally demanding, and they’re not willing to divide their attention or energy with a partner. They’d rather be single and fully immersed in their artistic vision.

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12. They’re prioritizing their role as single parents or caregivers.

For some men, their role as a single parent or caregiver is their top priority. They’re fully committed to providing love, support, and stability for their children or dependent family members, and they’re not willing to compromise that responsibility for a romantic relationship. They recognize that the demands of single parenthood or caregiving can be overwhelming, and they’re not interested in adding the complexity of a new partnership to the mix. They’d rather focus on being the best father or son they can be.

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13. They’re healing from past traumas or abuse.

Unfortunately, many men have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect in their past relationships or family histories. They’re taking the time and space to heal from these wounds, often with the help of therapy, counseling, or support groups. They recognize that jumping into a new relationship before fully processing and recovering from their past can be harmful to both themselves and their potential partners. They’d rather be single and do the hard work of healing than risk repeating unhealthy patterns.

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14. They’re questioning the societal pressure to marry and have children.

As more and more people are choosing to stay single or child-free, some men are questioning the societal pressure to follow the traditional path of marriage and family. They’re examining their own desires and motivations, and realizing that they may not actually want the responsibilities and challenges that come with long-term commitment or parenthood. They’re not willing to succumb to external expectations or timelines that don’t align with their own values and goals.

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15. They’re finding meaning and purpose through community involvement and activism.

Finally, some men are discovering a deep sense of meaning and purpose through their involvement in community organizations, volunteer work, or social activism. They’re passionate about making a difference in the world and contributing to causes that align with their values. They recognize that the time, energy, and emotional investment required to be an effective change-maker can be difficult to balance with the demands of a romantic relationship. They’d rather be single and fully committed to their vision of a better world.

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Josh grew up in Connecticut and thought he could never be happier away from big bodies of water until he moved to Minneapolis and fell in love with it. He writes full-time, with his lifestyle content being published in the likes of Men's Health, Business Insider, and many more. When he's not writing, he likes running (but not enough to train for a marathon even though his buddy won't stop asking him).
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