4 Reasons Why Single Women Are the Happiest People in the World – From a Psychologist

What kind of person do you imagine when you hear the word “spinster”? Now, with this thought in mind, consider the word “single”; Who comes to your mind? You probably imagine two different characters: a miserable old maid or crazy cat lady against a young, happy and lucky man.

If you could think of these people, you would be thinking along the same lines as the masses. Social norms have associated these two terms with characteristics such as: Single women are unhappy, lonely souls who spend their lives longing for a man, and single men are laid-back, charismatic, charmers with no care in the world.

However, findings in October 2024 to work inside Social Psychology and Personality Science Challenge our prejudices about single men and women. In fact, lead authors Elaine Hoan and Geoff MacDonald seem to have turned these clichés on their head.

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 Satisfaction

Compared to single men, single women are significantly happier with their relationship status. That is, women are much more satisfied with being single or single than men.

As Hoan and MacDonald explain report with Gilmore Health NewsThese findings may be due in part to the continued disruption of outdated social norms. “Traditionally, there was a lot of social pressure on women to find a partner and settle down in order to not be seen as ‘women anymore,’” they explain, adding: “This pressure can be a major cause of unhappiness among women.” single women.” They conclude: “Over time, society has become more lax in its prescriptions to allow single women to be free and have the time of their lives, which they appear to be doing.”

Moreover, Hoan and MacDonald argue that although some norms have softened, some expectations regarding gender roles are still firmly present. They specifically state that: gender division of household chores– Women are expected to take on housework and child-rearing without much help and be content with that.

They explain that these norms undeniably “lead to greater rewards for men and greater costs for women in committed heterosexual unions”; This may explain why women are much more satisfied with being single than men. Given this, many women will likely find greater satisfaction in singlehood, where they are free from these pressures and can live the way they want. Single men, on the other hand, may have difficulty coping with the demands of living alone, especially if they are less inclined to take on traditionally feminine roles.

2. Single Women Have Higher Life Satisfaction

Beyond relationships, single women have significantly higher life satisfaction than single men. While celibacy is a good sign for women in terms of overall well-being, it is not so good for men.

Hoan and MacDonald again explain these findings in relation to women’s broader social context, particularly their social support structures. “Men are inherently more solitary, whereas women are more likely to form a community supported by a variety of thriving relationships,” Hoan and MacDonald explain in their interview. They continue: “These communities mean single women are less likely to feel the negative effects of being single.”

In general, women are much less likely to rely solely on a romantic partner to meet their many social needs; there is more close-knit social circlesand they deal with them to a greater extent than most men do. Hoan and MacDonald highlight the importance of this in their study, explaining that “the link between social support and life satisfaction is well documented” and that “this link is especially crucial for singles who report that nonromantic social support is an important aspect of life.” their prosperity in their singleness.

3. Single Women Have Higher Sexual Satisfaction

Perhaps the most surprising finding is that single women are significantly more sexually satisfied than single men; This is an unexpected result that contradicts previous available research.

This is another finding that can be explained by social norms. Gendered housework is not the only heteronormative expectation that leads to higher rewards and lower costs for men; Hoan and MacDonald’s study also recognizes how much women’s sexual pleasure is prioritized in long-term heterosexual relationships. As a result, women in relationships may feel their sexual needs are not met more often than men.

In committed partnerships, it is not uncommon for men’s desires to come to the fore in the bedroom. But celibacy allows women to seek out encounters that meet their needs; They are free from the pressure of prioritizing their partners’ satisfaction.

This autonomy is likely what results in higher overall sexual satisfaction, as women have the freedom to explore relationships or experiences that align with their desires. In contrast, single men may find it more difficult to achieve this level of satisfaction; They may miss the sexual stability that comes with a committed partner and the consistent prioritization of their pleasure.

4. Single Women Have Less Desire for a Partner

Another finding that stands in striking contrast to the “spinster” stereotype is that single women have a lower desire for a partner than single men. In other words, single men desire a stable relationship much more than women; They may be satisfied with not even trying to find such a relationship.

In their interview, Hoan and MacDonald once again explain this finding very easily: “As women catch up with men in the workplace, being a single woman living alone and taking care of herself has never been more delicious.” They continue: “Men’s traditional roles of provision and protection may be taken over by women and the government,” and conclude: “This diminishes the importance of the need for a man in a woman’s life.”

As a result, “finding a man” seems to rank lower on single women’s priority list — if it’s even a consideration. In many ways, single women experience freedoms that are much less available in relationships: they have complete control over their social and sexual lives, and are free to focus on themselves without feeling obligated to care for anyone but themselves. This independence may be one of the most empowering aspects of singlehood for women, underscoring why so many women report being happier on their own.

Does singleness scare you more than it liberates you? Take this science-backed quiz and find out if you’re afraid of being single: Fear of Being One-Scale