PsyPost: Having more time to oneself is the top reported benefit of being single, study finds

In line with their predictions, the authors said that respondents’ emphasis on having more time for themselves, more resources, and being able to focus on their goals suggests that people find singlehood appealing partly because it allows them to develop their own strengths. The emphasis on having peace of mind and avoiding tension, fights, and getting hurt suggests that being single helps people avoid experiencing negative emotions. Finally, the “freedom to flirt around” factor suggests that singlehood is also appreciated because it allows people to engage in casual relationships.

The researchers also proposed that while there are evolutionary costs to being single, there are times when it may be advantageous. For example, being single for a period of time can allow people to focus on obtaining a job promotion or pursuing their studies. “Instead of only asking whether married or single life is better, we can ask when it is better for an individual to be single and for how long,” Apostolou and Christoforou wrote. “Considerable more research is necessary however, in order to address such questions.”

Although not predicted by the researchers’ hypotheses, the factors of “better control of what I eat”, “no one dictates my actions”, and “not do things I dislike” may reflect the various compromises that intimate relationships entail.

Some Insights From This Article

• On survey, one of the best benefits of singleness is having more time to spend on oneself. In relationships there often is a dedication or promise to another significant person and those costs can come at the expense of time and also money.

• Of course just because singleness is in some respects better for oneself, not everyone decides to stay single forever. We are social creatures and we do enjoy staying in relationships no matter if it does cost us something to be in one.

• If you are in a state of singleness however, perhaps the best way to prepare yourself for the next relationship is to take the opportunity to use the time and resources that are available to really develop yourself!

What are some of the benefits of singleness?

Full article is here!

#Singleness #Relationships #Social