In today’s world, there are more single adults than ever before. With people delaying marriage and children, and divorce rates rising, many are embracing the single life. But is being single actually good for your health and wellbeing? Let’s explore the pros and cons.
Pros of Being Single
There are certainly many potential benefits to staying solo as an adult:
More personal freedom
Single people have the freedom to structure their lives as they wish. They can decide where to live, who to spend time with, and how to spend their free time without needing to consult a partner.
More time for self-care
Being in a romantic relationship takes time and emotional energy. Single people have more bandwidth to focus on their own self-care through exercising, socializing, pursuing hobbies, relaxing, and getting enough sleep.
Financial independence
Singles have full control over their finances and can save and spend as they desire. They don’t need to consult or compromise with a partner over major purchases or investments.
Less stress
Romantic relationships can be a significant source of stress and conflict at times. The daily compromises, disagreements, and misunderstandings can take a toll. Solo singles avoid much of this stress.
More personal growth
Being single allows individuals to focus fully on their own personal development and growth. They can take risks, have new experiences, and make changes without needing to consider a partner’s needs or desires.
Avoid codependency
Some individuals become overly dependent on romantic partners for their identity, happiness, social life, and emotional stability. Remaining single helps avoid this unhealthy codependency.
Cons of Being Single
Despite the many potential upsides, staying single long-term may also come with some drawbacks and risks:
Increased loneliness
Humans are social creatures with an innate need for companionship and intimacy. Lacking a romantic partner can leave some singles feeling chronically lonely or isolated.
Less support during hard times
A caring romantic partner can provide invaluable emotional, social, and sometimes financial support during difficult life challenges like bereavement, job loss, or health issues. Singles lack this built-in support system.
Financial challenges
Being single means relying on one income stream instead of two. Home ownership and other major life goals can be harder to achieve without the combined finances of a couple.
Stigma
Despite progress, there is still a lingering stigma around being single as an adult. Assumptions that you must be lonely, unhappy, or unsuccessful can be hurtful.
Biological clock challenges
Singles who hope to have children one day can feel intense pressure as their biological clock ticks. Pursuing parenthood solo or as a single parent also brings extra challenges.
Increased health risks
Research indicates that married people tend to be healthier and live longer. They may be less likely to engage in risky behaviors and benefit from a built-in support system during illness.
Tips for Staying Healthy While Single
If you do choose to remain single, either by choice or circumstance, there are things you can do to maintain health and happiness:
Invest in platonic social connections
Make meaningful friendships a priority through regular social engagements, joining groups, volunteering, etc. Strong social ties are linked to better mental and physical health.
Don’t isolate yourself
While alone time is important, beware of slipping into unhealthy social isolation. Make an effort to interact face-to-face with others regularly.
Consider alternatives to romantic relationships
Options like housemates, co-parenting, intimate friendships, or polyamory can provide some of the benefits of partnerships without full commitment.
Stay physically active
Regular exercise boosts both physical and mental health. Joining a gym or sports team can also expand your social circle.
Work on self-care and self-love
singles, it’s vital to prioritize self-care through proper sleep, healthy eating, stress management, indulging your passions, etc. Boost self-esteem through positive self-talk.
Set meaningful life goals
Whether career ambitions, travel aspirations, creative projects, or raising a family, having purpose and direction can help singles thrive.
Consider counselling or support groups
If loneliness becomes overwhelming, seek professional help or join groups for singles to connect with like-minded people.
Research on Health and Singlehood
Numerous studies have compared the health outcomes of singles versus partnered people. Here is a sample of key research findings:
| Study | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Journal of Women’s Health, 2012 | Never-married women had lower BMIs and waist circumferences compared to married women. |
| Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 2012 | Single men are more likely to delay seeking medical care compared to partnered men. |
| American Journal of Men’s Health, 2015 | Single men had higher rates of depression and life dissatisfaction compared to married men. |
| PLOS One, 2017 | Single parents had poorer self-reported health compared to co-parenting couples. |
| BMC Public Health, 2020 | Middle-aged singles were more likely to engage in risky alcohol use compared to those in relationships. |
Overall, the research paints a nuanced picture, with potential risks and benefits to remaining single vs. partnered depending on gender, age, parenthood status, and other factors.
Conclusion
Is being single detrimental or beneficial for health? The answer is highly individual. With adequate self-care and strong social ties, many singles thrive and enjoy the freedom and growth opportunities solo life provides. However, those who struggle with chronic loneliness or isolation may benefit from actively addressing their social needs. In the end, fulfillment in single life requires embracing the benefits while mitigating the potential pitfalls through conscious personal effort.