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 that you can be happy without tying the knot, and many single people say they feel more fulfilled than those in relationships. The way we think about what makes a good life is changing. About two‑thirds of Gen Z are staying single, and the numbers for every generation have gone up 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 chasing 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. 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, men and women have different priorities. Women tend to focus on travel or building friendships, while men lean toward climbing the career ladder. 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.