Since time immemorial, humans have always placed a great emphasis on the concept of marriage and starting a family. Various cultures across the globe and through time are centered around the same purpose: coupling up and having kids. Those who decided to live without it were seen as deserving of scorn before being cast away from society and labelled as broken and incomplete. 

Nevertheless, the last few years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of single people globally. The Economist estimates that there are 100 million more single individuals than a decade ago. More individuals seem more comfortable than ever embracing singlehood and defying the status quo. 

This phenomenon can be largely attributed to the fact that, as society becomes more progressive and open-minded, more people are willing to deviate from traditional paths. Rather than being weighed down by others’ expectations and living according to the life script, singles prefer to stay true to themselves and reject the notion that there’s only one valid path to happiness and fulfilment. Instead, singles tend to forge their own path in a world that is not so approving of their choice. 

People can choose to remain single for a variety of reasons: for some, it is about prioritizing their career and following their passion. Others, after dealing with lots of failed relationships and the hardships of the modern dating scene, prefer to focus on themselves. For most, they simply enjoy the freedoms that come with singlehood and appreciate their own company. They have the freedom to pursue personal passions, travel on a whim, and design their lives without the need for compromise. 

Singlehood has become less about the absence of a romantic partner and more of a conscious choice to remain independent. It’s about designing a life that’s true to your values and desires, unbounded by the compromises often required in traditional partnerships. 

Being single doesn’t mean being alone: single people prefer to prioritize non-romantic connections, like cultivating deep friendships or creating chosen families that don’t fit the traditional mold.  

Of course, choosing a solo lifestyle isn’t without its challenges: stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination against single people are some of the common issues. This can manifest in various ways, from well-intentioned but patronizing comments from family members to systemic disadvantages in areas like housing and healthcare. This social pressure can be intense, leading some to question their choices or feel compelled to enter relationships they don’t truly want. 

In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all in life, and for some people, happiness lies in the freedom and fulfillment offered by singlehood. For many, a life without a romantic partner can be rich, meaningful, and deeply satisfying. In a way, singlehood is a path to personal growth, diverse experiences, and profound self-discovery for those who already feel complete by themselves.