Why Single Women Are Happier Than Single Men: The Surprising Truth

All the single ladies are doing just fine, thank you very much. Recent research reveals that single women are happier than their male counterparts—and there's more to it than meets the eye.

The Research Behind the Revelations

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science by University of Toronto psychologists Elaine Hoan and Geoff MacDonald sheds light on the satisfaction gap between single men and women. After analyzing data from nearly 6,000 single adults across 10 separate studies, the findings were clear: single women report being happier than single men in nearly every area of their lives.

Across the board, women reported higher life satisfaction compared to men. So, what gives? According to the researchers, there are some key reasons that explain why women seem to thrive when single.

Why Women Are Thriving Solo

1. Strong Platonic Support Systems

One of the main reasons women are happier single is their ability to nurture strong, supportive platonic relationships. While romantic partnerships might offer emotional and social support, single women are more likely to have deep friendships to lean on, making them less dependent on romantic validation.

2. Less Pressure in Relationships

When women do enter relationships, the dynamics often come with added expectations. Studies show that women tend to take on a larger share of household duties and may even find their own sexual satisfaction taking a backseat. The result? The payoff of being in a relationship just doesn’t stack up as much for women as it does for men.

3. Freedom to Embrace Solitude

Single women often enjoy their time alone more than men do. They use this time to pursue hobbies, interests, and personal growth. The so-called “singles tax”—the financial premium of living alone—might be worth it for the benefits of independence and self-discovery.

What Do Women Really Do When They’re Alone?

Being single isn’t just about taking on the world solo—it’s about the small, joy-filled rituals of everyday life. Here are a few things women do when they’re home alone:

• Ditching the Day’s Wardrobe: First step? Step in the door, shed the coat, kick off the shoes, wiggle out of the bra, and toss it across the room. Cue comfy clothes and the freedom to flop on the couch surrounded by cats, recounting the day’s highlights to their loyal (and likely indifferent) audience.
• Living Room Dance Parties: Dressing up and dancing or lip-syncing in front of the mirror for the sheer joy of it.
• Eating with No Judgement: The kitchen becomes an anything-goes zone, with no need for formality.
• Self-Care with a Twist: Holding off on that shower until it’s really necessary or giving the bathroom mirror a little more attention than usual.
• Cleaning in Quirky Ways: Swapping out proper sponges for tissues when tidying up small messes. Hey, it works in a pinch!
• Complete Bathroom Freedom: Peeing with the door open and not thinking twice about it. Oh, and not being shy about an audible fart or two.

Related: 10 THINGS ABOUT WOMEN MEN DIDN’T KNOW UNTIL MOVING IN WITH ONE

Why Men Have More to Gain from Partnering

While women are out here thriving in their singlehood, the research shows that single men aren’t faring as well. The reason? Men tend to gain more benefits from being in a relationship, from emotional support to shared household responsibilities. This makes single life a bit less appealing for men than for their female counterparts.

Conclusion: Single and Loving It

Despite some traditional ideas and studies suggesting women should strive for marriage to find happiness, the truth is that many single women are living their best lives. Sure, being single might come with financial costs, but for many women, the freedom, joy, and self-empowerment are worth every penny.

So, to all the single ladies out there—keep doing you. Because it turns out, you’re doing just fine.