Life on One: Why Being Single Feels Like a Freedom Win

Single folks are getting perks like tax cuts and health plans, according to a recent study that calls the trend a “cultural revolution.” The report says people are choosing single life to focus on their own goals instead of the old idea that marriage is the only path to happiness.

• Eight out of ten Americans agree you can be happy without tying the knot.
• Many single people feel more fulfilled than those in relationships.

A Shifting Definition of a Good Life

• About two‑thirds of Gen Z are staying single; the numbers for every generation have risen since 2023.
• More than 75 % of Americans want friendships to count as real adult relationships, not just side projects.

Being single lets people chase adventures and self‑growth instead of traditional milestones like buying a house or having kids with someone else. Young women are especially leading this shift, turning single status from a “waiting room” into a full‑blown lifestyle.

Gender Differences

• More than one in four women prefer the freedom of being alone, compared with only about one in six men.
• Studies suggest that men often get more benefits from being in a relationship, which might explain why fewer men choose single life.

When they’re not in a partnership:

• Women tend to focus on travel or building friendships.
• Men lean toward climbing the career ladder.

The New Normal

The trend shows that being single is no longer a setback but a chance to live on your own terms. The new normal lets people decide what matters most—whether that’s a career, travel, or deep friendships.