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Women Embracing Independence in Today’s Society
Date after date, 33-year-old Kelsey Grist grew disheartened with the dating apps she once frequented.
The production manager from Rhode Island ultimately made the decision to delete those apps two years ago. “I chose to stop waiting for a partner and instead start pursuing my own aspirations,” Kelsey shared.
Today, she is a proud homeowner, sharing her space with friends and a married couple renting a room. Kelsey cherishes her financial freedom, spontaneous travel opportunities, and has discovered that being single brings her greater happiness. “I’ve realized that I find immense peace and joy when I’m not subjected to the judgments I faced from past partners,” she explained.
Kelsey’s experience reflects a growing trend among American women who are stepping away from traditional romantic pursuits and choosing to live fulfilled lives independently.
The Shift in Relationship Dynamics
A recent 2024 study revealed that single women are generally more satisfied with their relationship status compared to men, with a noticeable decline in the number of single women seeking romantic relationships. In 2019, 38% of single women were looking for love; by 2022, this number had decreased to 35%, as reported by Pew Research. In contrast, the percentage of single men seeking relationships also declined from 61% to 50% within the same timeframe.
In addition, academic achievements are favoring women, with 47% of women aged 25 to 34 holding a bachelor’s degree compared to 37% of men. Homeownership among single women is rising as well, with 50% of single women without children owning their homes in 2022, compared to 47% of single men.
Women are increasingly recognizing their ability to thrive without conventional relationships or societal norms.
Growing Communities of Single Women
The moderator of the subreddit community /SingleAndHappy, who preferred to remain anonymous, indicated that its membership surged from 10,600 to 17,400 subscribers within the past year.
“I created this community to combat the stigma surrounding singlehood,” the moderator explained. “I’ve never yearned for the conventional life narrative.”
Women within this community have described their choice to stop seeking “the one” as liberating. Many are now prioritizing homeownership, high-powered careers, globe-trotting adventures, and cherished friendships outside of traditional romantic relationships.
A New Perspective on Relationships
Kelsey, like many women in her 30s, once felt pressured by societal notions of declining fertility. But that pressure has since lifted. “I realized that my ability to form meaningful relationships and love extends beyond traditional timelines,” she reflected. “If I meet someone in my 50s or 60s, it’s still possible.”
28-year-old civil engineer Phoebe Glazko, who transitioned from Chicago to suburban Detroit, absorbed valuable insights from an amicable break-up. “He was a great person, but I’ve recognized that being single ultimately brings me more joy.” Phoebe is not seeking marriage and finds fulfillment in her independence. “I thrive on spontaneity and decision-making without compromise,” she said. Additionally, she takes pride in her homeownership, emphasizing her self-sufficiency.
Vicki Eberts, a 33-year-old coffee shop manager from Ohio, once yearned for “grand, romantic love,” but distancing herself from dating led to newfound clarity. “I realized I was searching for something more than romance,” she shared. After her long-term relationship ended in 2023, Vicki discovered daily contentment and self-fulfillment. “I no longer feel the need to act or placate anyone else,” she expressed.
In contrast, the dating landscape isn’t solely shaped by heterosexual relationships. 38-year-old Sofie Champassak, a clinical psychologist from San Diego, decided to halt dating two years ago, embracing celibacy since October 2023. “I learned the importance of letting go of control in relationships, focusing on my personal growth instead,” she remarked.
The Rise of Single Motherhood by Choice
A burgeoning trend sees women choosing motherhood without partners. Casey Alexander, 41, anticipates her first child in June. After becoming an egg donor for her sister and losing her mother over a year ago, her priorities shifted dramatically. “I realized I wanted to become a mother without delay,” she noted, leading her to abandon dating apps as a source of distress.
Casey, along with two friends, purchased a home in upstate New York, a collaborative space where she plans to raise her child. “I feel empowered to carve my path,” she emphasized. Casey draws encouragement from the growing network of women opting for single motherhood through groups like Single Mothers by Choice.
Kat Curtin, the president of Single Mothers by Choice, noted the changing perceptions surrounding single motherhood. “More women are realizing they can fulfill their dreams of motherhood without a partner,” she affirmed, reflecting on her own journey after overcoming years of fertility challenges to give birth to her daughter Nora.
As women increasingly report happiness and self-sufficiency outside of traditional relationship norms, the conversations around singlehood and independence continue to evolve. “The more we highlight these life choices, the more we empower others to live their truth,” Casey concluded.
