8 Myths About Being Single (Hint: Single People are Happier Than You Think)

Co-authored by Cristina Morara and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Being single often comes with a negative social stigma attached to it. You might think that single people are lonely, depressed, or longing for a relationship—but oftentimes, that just isn’t the case! Many of these stereotypes about being single aren’t true, and a lot of single people are happy just the way they are. We’ve addressed some of the most common myths about singledom to help set the record straight.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:
Myth: Single people hate being single.

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Fact: Many single people love being single! In fact, a lot of single people have chosen to be single simply because they like it. Having increased freedom, being able to focus on other things, and not having to worry about someone else makes being single ideal for a lot of people.^{[1]
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- Similarly, a lot of people assume that single people are always looking to couple up. For many people, that just isn’t the case.
- Being single is a great chance to explore all of the endless possibilities that life has to offer. See your life as an adventure and get out there and enjoy it!^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Cristina Morara
  Dating Coach
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 8:
Myth: Single people are always lonely.

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Fact: Single people often appreciate their own company. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely. Activities like art, reading, hiking, and enjoying nature are super fun on your own. Plus, single people often have more time to connect with friends and family members than those who are married.^{[3]
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- Anyone can feel lonely at any time, even if they’re in a relationship.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:
Myth: If you get married, you’ll be much happier.

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Fact: People don’t instantly become happier when they couple up. If it’s a good relationship, then sure! But if not, being married can actually make you feel worse. Happiness doesn’t depend upon whether or not you’re in a relationship, and single people can be just as happy as married people.^{[4]
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- Being in a relationship can add a lot of stress and negativity that single people don’t have to deal with. Compared to rocky relationships, single people might actually be happier.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 8:
Myth: Getting married makes you live longer.

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Fact: Stressful marriages can actually shorten your lifespan. While it is true that some studies have shown a correlation between marriage and a long life, the same studies have shown that increased stress can make you sick or feel weak. It turns out that being single is far better for your health than being in an unhappy marriage.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Getting married is definitely not the best way to address your health concerns. Maintaining a balanced diet and getting regular exercise is the only way to ensure you’ll live a long, happy life.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:
Myth: Single people are often self-centered.

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Fact: Single people often have more time for others. They can pursue passions and hobbies like volunteering or organizing within the community. Instead of dedicating a lot of time focusing on a partner, they can focus their energy on other people.^{[6]
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- Being independent isn’t the same as being self-centered. Just because someone knows how to live on their own doesn’t mean that they only care about themselves.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 8:
Myth: Single people can’t relate to their friends.

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Fact: Single people can focus on their friendships more. Although they might not be able to relate to everything a married couple goes through (kids, work/life balance, relationship issues), keeping up with friends is much easier when it’s just you and you alone. Single people often report that they have more time to spend with their friends and family members than they would if they were in a relationship.^{[7]
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- In fact, this is one of the biggest benefits that people report about being single.

Method 7

Method 7 of 8:
Myth: Single people have a lot of sex.

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Fact: Married couples usually have more sex than single people. It varies from couple to couple, but having your partner in the same household usually promotes more sexual activity. Single people often have a harder time finding a long term sexual partner, so their sexual activity is, on average, lower.^{[8]
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- The number dips slightly lower for married people with children, but not as much as you’d might think!
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Method 8

Method 8 of 8:
Myth: Single people have less support in old age.

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Fact: Single people often have strong social support networks. Single people who are getting up there in age can turn to friends and family members for help. Many single people put a lot of time and effort into maintaining social relationships, which can actually benefit them more in times of illness.^{[9]
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