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. 

On April 16, 2026, Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) held its annual celebration of Jesuit Week at its Sciences and Technology Campus, located in Mar Roukoz. Initially planned for March, the event was rescheduled due to the regional security situation. Nevertheless, on this Thursday afternoon, the long-awaited ceremony took place at the Jean Ducruet Amphitheater, attended by cultural, religious, and academic figures.

This year’s Jesuit week was unlike the others since it was a tribute to a man who has been a central figure of the University for more than a decade: Reverend Father Salim Daccache, Rector of Saint Joseph University from 2012-2025, honoring an educational journey marked by intellectual and humanistic contributions through hurdles and difficulties and an ever-changing educational landscape. Professor Daccache first integrated Saint Joseph University in 2008, taking up the mantle of Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies. Then, he was appointed Rector of the University in 2012 and led the University for more than 13 years before choosing to retire to dedicate himself to research.

Held under the theme of “Every person and the whole person” (Tout homme et tout l'homme), a nod to Reverend Daccache’s personal philosophy, the event reflects the long-held Jesuit tradition of cultivating the whole person and reaffirming the importance of education in shaping the human spirit, allowing him to live and flourish in dignity. The ceremony was marked by a series of speeches, all casting light on Father Daccache’s pivotal role in the University’s development, particularly in enhancing the quality of education while embodying Jesuit values of service, openness, and dialogue. The audience was also treated to a musical performance by Charbel Rouhana and his troop, with the “Oud” at the heart of the performance, an instrument greatly appreciated by Pr. Daccache.

Though, the highlight of the evening was the projection of a documentary, produced by two alumni of the University, Cynthia Bou Zeid (IESAV, 2013) and Philippe Bou Zeid (ISP, 2007), retracing the life of father Daccache: from his ordaining as priest at the Ghazir Seminary to his academic and administrative role at USJ, while also showing the more human side of him through the testimony of those who worked under him. The film painted the picture of a man who stood firm in his ideals, even amid some of Lebanon’s worst crises, from the economic crises to the port explosion and the recent war, he never wavered and stayed true to his ideals, putting himself at the service of others in these difficult times and doing his best to foster an environment of intellectual and cultural pursuit, in the ruins of a collapsed country. Thanks to his visionary and intuitive leadership, the Saint Joseph University of Beirut remained resilient and steadfast in the face of adversity.

Despite everything, Pr. Salim Daccache proved himself to be a true pillar of the institution. Never faltering despite the unending national crises, he guided the institution through uncertain times with steadiness and devotion. To him, USJ was far more than an institution; it was a community in its own right. This tribute wasn’t just the celebration of a person but the closing of a defining chapter in the University’s history, one of resilience, leadership, and growth against all odds, as well as the beginning of a new one.