Singlehood is evolving and gradually moving away from clichés that frame it as a transitional or imposed situation. According to a study conducted by happn, the real-life dating app, a majority of women say they experience this period as a true moment of personal fulfilment. Far from being seen only as a waiting phase before a relationship, singlehood is increasingly viewed as a time for self-development, independence, and self-redefinition.

Women are more likely to say they are happy being single

When asked about their feelings towards singlehood, 62% of women say they feel happy being single, compared to only 42% of men. Conversely, men are significantly more likely to express discomfort: 43% say they feel unhappy or very unhappy when single, compared to 26% of women.

This perception is also reflected in how people view romantic life. Nearly 6 out of 10 women (59%) believe it is possible to have a happy and fulfilling life without being in a relationship, compared to 38% of men.

Among respondents, this difference is widely acknowledged: 24% believe women experience singlehood better, compared to only 8% who think men are happier in this situation.

Freedom and independence as key drivers of fulfilment

Among the reasons given to explain well-being while being single, freedom and independence rank by far as the most important. They are cited by nearly one in two women (48%), compared to 32% of men.

Women also more often mention the opportunity to meet new people (20%) or to spend more time with loved ones (12%). On the other hand, men more frequently refer to personal development (25%) or sexual freedom (10%), a dimension that is almost absent from women’s responses.

These results highlight slightly different ways of experiencing singlehood. For women, it is often associated with autonomy and personal growth. For men, it appears more linked to exploration and discovery.

Loneliness remains the main challenge of singlehood

Despite these positive aspects, singlehood still comes with certain challenges. The feeling of loneliness remains the main difficulty mentioned, cited by around one in two people, both among women (52%) and men (48%). The lack of physical intimacy is also mentioned by 21% of women and 26% of men, while 21% of women refer to emotional instability in romantic relationships, compared to 11% of men.

Another key insight is that nearly two thirds of respondents say they have never stayed in a relationship out of fear of being alone. This also reflects a shift in expectations around relationships. For a majority of single people, being in a couple no longer appears as a situation to preserve at all costs. Instead, relationships are increasingly seen as a choice that must genuinely bring fulfilment, rather than a refuge from loneliness. This dynamic reflects a more autonomous and demanding approach to romantic life.